By: Westwood Media Group
Springfield, Missouri, has a growing community of entrepreneurs and business professionals, and a local event called Ascend is helping to facilitate connections among them. Held every few months, Ascend offers a space for people interested in business—whether just starting out or with years of experience—to meet, learn, and share stories.
The event is organized by Project Future First, a nonprofit founded by Springfield native Kyle Gardner along with his friends Blake and Dmytro. Their goal is simple: to support more accessible business education for a diverse audience. Ascend reflects that mission by offering a free event where attendees can gather without cost or barriers.
Each Ascend event lasts about two hours and follows a familiar structure. The first hour is an informal networking session designed to create a welcoming atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy light refreshments and listen to music from a live DJ while meeting others from the community. The vibe is relaxed and friendly, encouraging conversation in a low-pressure environment.
The networking portion is open to everyone—from students and new entrepreneurs to established business owners and professionals. The event uses small touches like a red carpet entrance and curated music to create a sense of occasion, but the focus remains on building connections rather than formality.
After the first hour, the event moves into its main program. Three local or regional business owners take the stage, each given around 20 minutes to share their personal business story. The talks are straightforward and honest, highlighting the real experiences of starting and growing a business, including various challenges and lessons learned.
One recent speaker was Isaac, a young entrepreneur who owns Dirty Dough Cookies, a local bakery. Isaac shared how he overcame homelessness as a teenager and went on to build a business while also working as a licensed realtor. His story resonated with the audience because it was authentic and relatable, focusing on perseverance and practical insights gained through experience.
Ascend’s approach to storytelling emphasizes genuine, experience-based insights rather than polished presentations or theoretical advice. Speakers share what has worked for them and what hasn’t, offering attendees a variety of perspectives grounded in real life.
While the event includes some production elements such as lighting and music transitions, these features are designed to enhance the atmosphere without distracting from the content. The goal is to make the experience enjoyable and engaging while keeping the focus on learning and community.
The organizers emphasize that Ascend is not a sales event. There are no product pitches or promotions—just an opportunity to listen, learn, and connect. The event is supported by Project Future First, which helps to ensure it remains free and open to all.
Speakers come from many different industries, including food, fitness, real estate, marketing, and more. This diversity reflects the variety of paths available in business and encourages attendees to consider multiple approaches to their own goals.
Springfield’s business community is growing, and events like Ascend offer a welcoming space for people to come together and share ideas. It’s not about instant success or quick fixes but about building connections and gaining knowledge that can help over time.
Anyone interested in business or leadership—or simply looking to meet others with similar interests—can benefit from attending Ascend. It’s free, easy to access, and open to all who want to participate.
To learn more or RSVP for upcoming events, visit projectfuturefirst.com/events.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and make decisions based on their individual needs. The views expressed are based on publicly available information and event descriptions provided by the organization.
Published by Jeremy S.
