St. Joseph enters its entrepreneur era

By: Zac Scott

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Entrepreneurs could explore a new opportunity to launch their dream at St. Joseph's Launch Pad.

A physical infrastructure grant given to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce could cause the City of St. Joseph to become the next place of innovation. 

"The state of Missouri has really been making a push to attract support and retain startups, specifically technology startups in Missouri," said Startup Mentor Lute Atieh.

Atieh is one of the chamber members who wants entrepreneurs to stay in St. Joseph and make their vision a reality.

"The idea is, while all these startups are happening across the country, several die, several grow," said Atieh. "Missouri just has not been able to attract them organically, and so this is designed to sort of foster that."

The Launch Pad will work as a booking space, where entrepreneurs can pitch their idea to the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce to see if the business will fit with the Launch Pad. After approval, the entrepreneur can start the booking process.

Atieh said that the main goal of the Launch Pad is to give people the chance to succeed in St. Joseph and keep the business around for the years to come.

"Our goal is to be sort of a hub or launch pad, if you will, for entrepreneurs and startups, and small businesses," said Atieh. "Our goal is that they meet enough people, they have enough access to resources, and that they keep their business.  One of our first tenants is moving two employees or hiring two employees in St. Joseph for their early-stage company, which has been around for a few years. The idea here is to attract and retain talent, businesses, and startups."

The Launch Pad aims to encourage partnerships between entrepreneurs to flesh out ideas and give the business leaders the best chance for success.

"I fully suspect that individuals who will meet other people here, become friends, learn new things, some partnerships might be formed, and some new business ideas might be had. But the whole one of main idea around here is the networking and the social aspect of meeting other entrepreneurs. If you're working out of your house 90% of the time, you don't really get out and have a bit of a networking and social aspect with other people like you. And this is a really important thing, I think," said Atieh.

The Launch Pad has committed to a soft launch on Monday, Dec. 1, and is planning to be fully operational by early January.

Anyone interested in booking the Launch Pad can visit their website.