Lindenwood University’s Duree Center for Entrepreneurship has been awarded a regional Node Planning Grant from the Missouri Technology Corporation to support entrepreneurship, innovation, and workforce development in St. Charles, Montgomery, Warren, and Lincoln counties.

Regional Node Planning Grants incentivize Missouri’s communities to support innovation and entrepreneurship through organizational partnerships.   

The funding from this grant will enable the Duree Center to – over the course of a six-month planning phase – conduct thorough market research and needs assessments, as well as analyze exemplary small business training curricula. Additionally, the Duree Center will be able to organize influential networking events that will operate as a collective advantage for the 600,000-plus residents residing and working within the region, while simultaneously enhancing the statewide economy of Missouri.

This grant also allows the Duree Center for Entrepreneurship to offer students additional opportunities to gain real experience and real success.

“We are thrilled to have this opportunity to empower Missouri's aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to the growth and development of our local economy,” said Duree Center for Entrepreneurship Associate Director Dr. Julie Turner, who authored the grant. “As an academic center, our goal is to work alongside community leaders to enhance the quality of life and expand economic opportunities for both residents and businesses throughout this four-county region, ultimately cultivating a highly skilled workforce capable of propelling Missouri to excel in the global economy.”

Duree Center for Entrepreneurship Director Jim Mosquera also shared his excitement about receiving the grant, and optimism for future endeavors.

"It is an honor to be selected for this Regional Node Grant," Mosquera said. “We are confident our efforts will incentivize target communities to coalesce assets to support innovation and entrepreneurship.”