Employers across west central Missouri have a new opportunity to address one of the biggest workforce challenges: access to affordable, reliable child care.

Looking for meaningful work you can do from home? Start a home-based child care program with support through New Growth Women’s Business Center—and a $2,500 grant opportunity. Apply for free step-by-step support.

The Harvest to Market Grant for food and farm enterprises in rural Kansas and western Missouri will be announced soon. In the meantime, free coaching is available from Heartland Food Business Coalition partners to help prepare strong project proposals.

Clinton has a bright new business, and its story begins with a simple idea. With business planning support and a microloan from the New Growth Women’s Business Center, Kami McClendon turned that idea into Sun-Kissed Studios.

The Farm to Fork Champion Award recognizes individuals who strengthen food systems and regenerative agriculture through long-term leadership and action. In its first year, we honor Kyle Vickers for a lifetime of standing up for farmers, caring for the land, and helping move agriculture forward.

Twice each year, New Growth Transit has volunteer drivers to stop in for program updates and a vehicle safety inspection. These gatherings are also a chance to connect face-to-face, share appreciation for the miles our drivers provide, and catch up with the New Growth Transit team.

For Thelma Warner, volunteer driving is about paying it forward. As she celebrates her 80th birthday this month, she reflects on how helping neighbors get where they need to go has given her purpose too.

On Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. families from across the region are invited to gather in El Dorado Springs for the Kids Care Fair—a free, family-friendly event focused on one of the most urgent issues facing our communities: child care.

In 2025, volunteer drivers went above and beyond — with the top 5 logging more than 138,000 miles combined to help neighbors get to medical care and back home safely. Meet a few of the drivers whose commitment keeps rural communities moving.

Getting to a medical appointment is only half the journey. Here’s why Donna Crouch makes sure her neighbors have a way back home — and why she says every mile is worth it.

In rural communities, locally owned restaurants are about more than food. They create gathering places, support families, and keep local dollars circulating close to home. Read how connecting with the New Growth Women’s Business Center has helped owner Holly Miller strengthen her business and deepen her roots in the community.

So many of our family, friends, and neighbors struggle with chronic health challenges like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. But when the doctor suggests healthy eating, the question for many becomes: “Do I buy those fresh vegetables or pay my utilities?”