Homegrown for the Creative Economy - Poplar Bluff
Location
Poplar Bluff Library
318 North Main Poplar Bluff, MO
Date
April 17, 2026 at 9:00 AM - April 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM
About
University of Missouri Extension is bringing HOMEGROWN Entrepreneurship to Poplar Bluff with a two-day workshop and vendor fair designed to inspire, equip, and connect entrepreneurs at every stage. Whether you are building a creative enterprise, running a small business, or exploring a new idea, HOMEGROWN offers practical tools and connections to help you grow.
Entrepreneurship—creative and traditional alike—is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable local economic growth. By investing in locally owned businesses, communities strengthen their economies from the inside out, supporting innovation, job creation, and long-term vitality.
First launched in 2021, the HOMEGROWN curriculum is now coming to Poplar Bluff at no cost to participants, made possible through funding from the Delta Regional Authority. Individuals who register for both the workshop and vendor fair may also be eligible for a $500 scholarship to support their creative business.
Who Should Attend ?
- Creative entrepreneurs and makers
- Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs
- Economic, business, and community development organizations who support entrepreneurs (banks, chambers, art organizations, regional planning commissions, local decision makers, and nonprofits)
- Individuals interested in starting or growing a local business
Workshop: Friday, April 17
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Poplar Bluff Public Library
318 N Main St
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
*Lunch Provided
Creative Entrepreneurship Vendor Fair:
Saturday, April 18,
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Location TBD
* Those participating in the vendor fair need to fill out attached application below.
For questions in regard to the workshop and/or the vendor fair please contact Elena Stephenson at elenastephenson@missouri.edu
Sessions
April 17, 2026
-
09:00 AM - 04:00 PM CDT Homegrown for the Creative Economy - Poplar Bluff
University of Missouri Extension is bringing HOMEGROWN Entrepreneurship to Poplar Bluff with a two-day workshop and vendor fair designed to inspire, equip, and connect entrepreneurs at every stage. Whether you are building a creative enterprise, running a small business, or exploring a new idea, HOMEGROWN offers practical tools and connections to help you grow. Entrepreneurship—creative and traditional alike—is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable local economic growth. By investing in locally owned businesses, communities strengthen their economies from the inside out, supporting innovation, job creation, and long-term vitality. First launched in 2021, the HOMEGROWN curriculum is now coming to Poplar Bluff at no cost to participants, made possible through funding from the Delta Regional Authority. Individuals who register for both the workshop and vendor fair may also be eligible for a $500 scholarship to support their creative business
Location: Poplar Bluff Public Library 318 N Main St. Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
April 18, 2026
-
09:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT Homegrown Vendor Fair
Please select this section if you are agreeing to participate in the vendor fair portion of the event. Please also make sure that you have filled out and submitted the vendor fair application. For questions, please contact Elena Stephenson elenastephenson@missouri.edu
Location: TBD