Since 1988, Regional Economic Development Inc. has enhanced the vitality of business and increased the number of quality, sustainable jobs in Mid-Missouri.
One way REDI has helped create quality job opportunities is by working with community partners, such as the Missouri Women’s Business Center.
Focusing on minority and low-income to middle-income entrepreneurs, the Missouri Women’s Business Center provides resources, support, and networks for women seeking to grow or start their own business. As a program of Central Missouri Community Action, the center currently serves eight counties: Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, and Osage. The Missouri Women’s Business Center offers classes, workshops, networking opportunities, economic resourcing, individualized business training, counseling, and more.
REDI also partners with the City's Supplier Diversity Program. The Supplier Diversity Program, directed by Jim Whitt, works with local businesses in Mid-Missouri to assist minority and women-owned businesses, and help them compete for government and private sector economic development and entrepreneurship opportunities. In addition to providing business resources, the Supplier Diversity Program manages the Minority and Women-owned Business Directory. The directory includes a list of minority and women-owned businesses in Columbia. Users can filter their search by industry here.
REDI continues to increase the number of living-wage jobs in Mid-Missouri by attracting new businesses to the area, retaining and expanding existing businesses, and helping entrepreneurs start new businesses. Achieving their mission would not be possible without partnerships with the Missouri Women’s Business Center and the City’s Supplier Diversity Program. Give us a call today if you would like to attract, expand, or grow your business with REDI.
