Chamber makes development announcement at Chairman’s Breakfast

By: Alexis Kuhnert

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Attendees at the 2025 St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce's Chairman's Breakfast might have been prepared for a meal and a keynote speaker, but were also met with a big announcement.

Jason Klindt, senior director of external affairs for Evergy, spoke on "Planning for Growth & Powering our Communities." Specifically, about the pros and cons of a data center in the community.

In conjunction with Klindt's message, the Chamber announced the opening of a Launch Pad located Downtown at 801 Felix St.

The Launch Pad would serve as an innovation center for co-working startups to obtain education and mentorships to start their businesses.

The facility will offer a flexible range of workspaces, including open coworking areas, dedicated desks and private office rentals. It would also feature shared-use technology, conference rooms, business-grade amenities and professional development support.

"Our region is full of builders, dreamers, and creators who simply need access to the right resources," said Natalie Hawn, the president and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. "The Launch Pad exists to provide an affordable, collaborative environment where ideas can take off and businesses can thrive."

The funding of the new resource is made possible by a $100,000 grant from the Missouri Technology Group (MTC).

"The grant was a three-year grant to help us with technology solutions and resources for these businesses," said Hawn.

The Show-Me Network is also helping support The Launch Pad.

"We're thrilled to partner with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce as a Regional Connector for the Show-Me Network," said Rachel Munday, the executive director of efactory at Missouri State University and a part of the Network. "Their leadership, energy, and commitment to entrepreneurs make them an incredible partner in expanding opportunity across Northwest Missouri and the state."

Hawn said the soft opening will be on Dec. 1 and an official grand opening in January 2026.

Along with flexible coworking and private office rentals, the space will also feature:

• High-speed internet and professional meeting rooms
• Shared-use equipment for AV, prototyping and technology development
• Training and professional services, including legal, accounting and business development support
• Networking events, pitch nights and mentorship opportunities designed to strengthen the regional startup ecosystem

The Launch Pad's mission is to fuel innovation and support first-time founders, freelancers and small business owners across a 35-mile service area surrounding St. Joseph.

The resource's impact goal includes hosting over 20 community and business events annually, delivering over 100 mentorship hours and supporting the creation or retention of at least 10 local jobs each year, according to a Chamber press release.

The space for The Launch Pad is being leased from Mosaic Life Care and was formerly occupied by CLA.

Entrepreneurs, innovators and community members interested in learning more contact Kristie Arthur at arthur@saintjoseph.com or 816-364-4113.

Interest forms can also be submitted at stjlaunchpad.com.