Launch Pad - STJ

10/16/2026

The Chamber is excited to announce the launch of a new Small Business Incubator Program thanks to the help of a $25,000 grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation.

The incubator program will provide funds for selected small business applicants to help them establish or grow their businesses downtown. The entrepreneurs also will be able to have one-on-one appointments with the Small Business Development Center at MoWest and U.S. Bank loan officers to help participants explore financing and capital resources when they are ready to grow. They also will have an opportunity for reduced retail rent space at The Madison, a project of Fox Creek Designs.

There will be three $3,000 grants awarded a year for three years. To learn more and apply, visit the Launch Pad website here; https://www.stjlaunchpad.com/

10/15/2026

See you soon for the Downtown Open Spaces Tour!

TODAY’S THE DAY! 🔑🏬

Dreaming of opening a shop or restaurant? Explore downtown St. Joseph’s available spaces—including several of our listings!

📍 2 p.m. – Small Business Workshop at the Launch Pad
🚶 3 p.m. – Downtown Open Spaces Tour
🥂 Reception at The Den to follow

Come see where your next chapter could begin! 💜
(Free, no registration needed)

The Downtown Open Spaces Tour is presented by the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Saint Joseph, the Missouri SBDC at MoWest & the Launch Pad - STJ.

10/14/2026

From local agencies to federal contracts, there are opportunities for small businesses to grow through government contracting. But where do you start?

Join us for a FREE virtual training in partnership with Missouri APEX Accelerator to learn how to register your business, find contract opportunities, navigate certifications, and understand the basics of bidding.

Register here: launchpad.proximity.app/events/15-oct-2026-government-contracting-basics

10/12/2026

When family and business overlap, having the right legal foundations in place matters! ⚖️

Join us for a virtual training on October 14 for Family Business Legal Considerations, a conversation focused on navigating the unique legal challenges that come with running a family-owned business.

Whether you’re building a business with family or planning for its future, this is an opportunity to gain valuable insight and ask questions!

📅 Wednesday, October 14 at 12 pm (virtually)

Learn more and register here: https://launchpad.proximity.app/events/14-oct-2026-family-business-legal-considerations

10/08/2026

You know Ivy! 🐾 But now it’s time to meet the guy who brought her into our world: Brad Weeks.

Brad has been part of the Launch Pad community since January, working for his brother’s company and building connections with the people working around him. What started as bringing Ivy in “just once” turned into her becoming one of our beloved office dogs….and one of our biggest social media stars. 😂

But Brad’s story is really what Launch Pad is all about: coming here to work and finding a community along the way.

As Brad puts it, he can’t imagine working anywhere else. And we can’t imagine Launch Pad without him….or Ivy!

10/06/2026

A peek into Lindsey’s last day at The Launch Pad. 😆

Of course, we couldn’t let him leave without Dairy Queen,a game of ping pong and our own rendition of “Happy Last Day.” 😂

Lindsey, you’ve become such a special part of this place. From the everyday conversations and friendly competition to the friendships you’ve built with so many people here, your presence has been part of what makes The Launch Pad feel like The Launch Pad.

We’re cheering you on in whatever comes next. And don’t worry, we’ll keep the ping pong table ready for your return. 🏓

10/02/2026

Today was a bittersweet day at the Launch Pad!

With Lindsey getting ready to move away, today was his last day working here, and naturally, we had to send one of our regulars off the Launch Pad way: Dairy Queen treats, a little ping pong and a Michael Jordan Funko Pop. (If you know, you know 😂🏀)

One of our favorite things about this space is that it really does become a community. When you see the same faces week after week, they become more than the people you work alongside, they become friends.

We’re sad to see Lindsey go and will definitely miss having him around, but we’re excited for what’s ahead for him. Wishing you nothing but the best on your move and this next chapter, Lindsey! You’ll always have a spot at Launch Pad.