By: Westwood Media Group
Connecting Springfield’s Business Community Through Learning and Networking
Springfield, Missouri, has a growing community of entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals eager to learn and connect. Ascend is a free business event held quarterly that aims to provide a welcoming environment where attendees can gain insights, build relationships, and explore the realities of entrepreneurship. Organized by the nonprofit Project Future First, Ascend serves as a platform to make business education accessible and foster genuine connections within the local business scene.
Purpose and Organization of Ascend
Project Future First was founded by Springfield resident Kyle Gardner alongside friends Blake and Dmytro with the goal of increasing access to business education for individuals who might not typically have the opportunity. Ascend embodies this mission by offering a no-cost event designed to feel informal yet purposeful, emphasizing community over competition.
Each Ascend session lasts approximately two hours and follows a familiar, consistent structure. The initial hour focuses on informal networking, allowing attendees to meet others in a relaxed atmosphere with music and refreshments. This approach encourages conversation and relationship-building without pressure, welcoming participants from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of business experience.
Event Structure and Speaker Format
The second hour is devoted to a series of three talks from local or regional entrepreneurs, each given about 20 minutes to share their business journeys. These presentations are characterized by honesty and practicality, highlighting challenges as well as successes encountered along the way. Speakers discuss their early experiences, obstacles faced, lessons learned, and adaptations made during their entrepreneurial paths.
One illustrative example is Isaac, a Springfield business owner who shared his story of overcoming homelessness as a teenager and building a bakery business, Dirty Dough Cookies, while also working in real estate. His candid storytelling emphasizes perseverance and provides attendees with relatable, experience-based perspectives rather than polished sales pitches or motivational speeches.
The Atmosphere and Approach of Ascend
Ascend integrates light production elements such as music and lighting transitions, aiming to create an engaging yet unobtrusive environment that supports focus on learning and conversation. The event organizers intentionally avoid sales tactics, product promotions, or other commercial pressures, ensuring that the gathering remains centered on education and community support.
Speakers come from a variety of industries—including food, fitness, construction, and technology—reflecting the diverse opportunities and challenges in the business world. This range of experiences encourages attendees to consider multiple approaches and possibilities relevant to their own goals.
Impact on Springfield’s Business Community
Springfield has a history of entrepreneurial spirit, and Ascend provides a space to harness this energy by facilitating meaningful exchanges among business-minded individuals. While the event does not claim to offer quick solutions or guarantees of success, it aims to help attendees gain new ideas, perspectives, and connections that may support their ongoing development.
The event’s accessibility and open invitation make it a resource for anyone interested in business or leadership, from novices to experienced professionals. By focusing on practical storytelling and networking, Ascend contributes to a culture of shared learning and mutual encouragement within the community.
How to Participate and Learn More
Those interested in attending Ascend events can find upcoming dates and RSVP information by visiting projectfuturefirst.com/events. The event is free to join and open to all, providing an inclusive space for Springfield’s entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts to come together and grow.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently and consider their own circumstances before participating in any events or engaging with any organizations mentioned. The content is intended to provide general information and should not be interpreted as professional advice or guidance.
