By: Westwood Media Group

A Gathering Focused on Learning and Community

Springfield, Missouri, is home to an emerging business event called Ascend, which aims to provide a welcoming space for local entrepreneurs, professionals, and aspiring business owners. Held quarterly, this two-hour program combines education with community engagement, offering attendees a unique experience that blends practical insights with energetic networking.

Ascend is organized by Project Future First, a nonprofit founded by Springfield resident Kyle Gardner, along with his collaborators Blake and Dmytro. The event’s mission centers on making business education more accessible to individuals who might not have easy access to traditional learning opportunities. Attendance is free, with only an RSVP required, removing common barriers such as cost and exclusivity.

A Format Designed to Engage and Inspire

Each Ascend event follows a consistent structure that balances networking and storytelling. The first hour is dedicated to open networking, where attendees can connect casually with others in the community. The atmosphere is intentionally welcoming, featuring lite refreshments, music from a live DJ, and a red carpet to create an inviting yet relaxed environment. This design encourages relationship building without the stiffness often associated with formal business events.

After networking, the event transitions into its main program. Three business owners take the stage, each sharing a 20-minute talk about their entrepreneurial journeys. These speakers are local or regional entrepreneurs who offer candid reflections on their experiences—discussing challenges, milestones, and lessons learned along the way. Unlike conventional keynote speakers, the presenters focus on authentic stories rather than polished success narratives.

Ascend’s production incorporates elements more typical of live shows, such as lighting effects and music transitions. These choices contribute to an engaging and memorable experience, encouraging attendees to stay connected throughout the program.

Personal Stories from the Springfield Business Community

The stories told at Ascend emphasize resilience and real-life lessons over theory. For example, Isaac, a recent speaker and owner of Dirty Dough Cookies in Springfield, shared how he overcame homelessness as a teenager to become both a business owner and a licensed realtor. His transparency about his path struck a chord with the audience, reflecting the type of honest storytelling the event promotes.

By highlighting diverse industries including food, real estate, fitness, and marketing, Ascend presents a broad perspective on entrepreneurship. This diversity helps attendees find relatable experiences and applicable insights for their own ventures.

Focus on Learning Without Commercial Pressure

Ascend is designed to be an educational and community-building event rather than a sales platform. Organizers make clear that the event is not intended for product pitches or business promotion. Instead, it provides a space where people can learn from each other, exchange ideas, and gain new perspectives that may inform their personal or professional paths.

The approachable format, combined with an emphasis on genuine interaction, supports Project Future First’s broader goal of expanding access to business education and leadership development within Springfield.

Contributing to Springfield’s Business Ecosystem

As Springfield continues to grow as a hub for entrepreneurs and small businesses, Ascend plays a role in supporting this development. Events like Ascend offer valuable opportunities to connect and learn in a community-oriented setting. While it is not a comprehensive solution for all business challenges, the event contributes to a culture of sharing and collaboration.

Kyle Gardner and the team behind Project Future First envision Ascend as part of an ongoing journey for those interested in business and leadership. By creating a space where ideas and experiences can be exchanged openly, Ascend helps cultivate confidence and inspiration among attendees.

How to Participate in Ascend

For those interested in attending Ascend, information about upcoming events and RSVP details are available on the Project Future First website at projectfuturefirst.com/events. Participation is free and open to the public, making it an accessible option for anyone interested in learning and connecting with the Springfield business community.

Disclaimer: The information provided about Ascend and Project Future First is for educational and informational purposes only. Attendance at the Ascend event does not guarantee business success or specific outcomes. All business decisions should be made based on individual research and professional advice.

Published by Jeremy S.