Connecting farm and rural businesses and neighbors to resources that help our Missouri rural communities thrive.

From deep roots comes new growth.

A young woman holding a little girl, writing on paper.
A man helping his passenger get out of the vehicle.

Transit

Building a network of volunteer drivers and coordinating regional transportation services in west central Missouri.

A woman organizing tubes of paint.

Women's Business Center

Focusing on the power and potential of rural women to employ themselves, provide jobs for others, and build their local economies and communities.

Someone purchasing some fruit.

Food & Agriculture

Helping farmers, food businesses, and community organizations connect and build the working relationships needed to make farm-to-table work.

A photo of a sign in a window that reads, "Yes, we're open"

Financing

Offering microloans to startups and existing rural businesses that are having difficulty finding financing elsewhere, with the goal of graduating to traditional business loans.

Featured News

A selection of featured posts from our news feed.

Job Opening: Farm and Food Programs and Policy Director

Job Opening: Farm and Food Programs and Policy Director

Do you have a passion for strengthening family farms and local food systems? The Programs and Policy Director will strengthen family farm operations and elevate farmer voices.
Farm to Fork Summit 2026

Farm to Fork Summit 2026

The Farm to Fork Summit & Expo takes place March 6 in Nevada, MO, and features a keynote on food as medicine, breakout sessions on topics like direct-to-consumer sales, regenerative agriculture, USDA programs, agritourism, and more!
West Central Missouri Moves Forward with Child Care Action Plan

West Central Missouri Moves Forward with Child Care Action Plan

Today we celebrate the West Central Early Childhood Education Action Plan—seven strategies to strengthen child care in Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties, with five moving into action in early 2026.