Based at the UMKC Innovation Center, the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UMKC earned recognition in a national ranking as number 33 among 80 of America’s Best Accelerators, according to TIME/Statista. Missouri SBDC at UMKC was nominated for the ranking by alumni of its program ScaleUP! Kansas City.
Programs like ScaleUP! Kansas City and Growth360 help business owners work on their business rather than plunge into daily operations with little time or ability for planned growth. The nominations and alumni testimonials validated the ongoing local benefits of the program and the value of business consultants offering guidance and insight through Missouri SBDC at UMKC. For years, the Missouri SBDC at UMKC has provided practical programs as well as no-cost consulting, demonstrating its focus as a growth accelerator that supports small business owners.
Led by Regional Director Jill Hathaway, Missouri SBDC at UMKC’s team of business consultants and its programs have helped hundreds of small businesses start and grow. “Our team works hard every day to provide the best support for the entrepreneurs we serve,” says Hathaway. “It’s an honor to be recognized nationally, and a true testament to the dedication our team brings to helping our clients succeed. But while we’re proud to win awards like this, our real passion is watching our clients flourish.”
Several hundred candidates were evaluated in the TIME/Statista multi-stage research process. Results highlight “the most outstanding hubs offering incubator and accelerator programs in the United States.” Notably, Missouri SBDC at UMKC is the only accelerator in Missouri or Kansas on the list.
Missouri SBDC at UMKC provides business advice, education and support as a specific type of accelerator, one that aids business owners preparing for a growth phase. A diverse range of past participants in ScaleUP! KC include digital marketing agency Lillian James Creative, coffee roaster Blip Roasters, packaging manufacturer MEDIAHEAD, boutique Verdant, Alma Mader Brewing and many more. The program welcomed its 16th cohort of 19 business owners this year.
ScaleUP! Kansas City alum Travis Thonen of Midwest Comfort Homes acknowledged the program helped him realize that he should close the electrical side of his business so he could focus on restoration — a change that made his operation more resilient and primed it to scale. “It was the best decision I’ve ever made for my company,” said Thonen.
Missouri SBDC at UMKC’s expert-led growth programs distinguish the organization from other accelerators, such as Techstar’s mentorship-driven model, and startup incubators built around early-stage investment. Growth360 and other programs combine learning, networking and access to resources in a relatively short timeframe with no venture capital or award attached. Participants in cohorts build connections with peers facing similar challenges. They also access networks within the community and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
“What makes us different from a lot of the accelerators on this list, and from anything else here in the Midwest really, is that we’re not asking business owners for a piece of their company,” says Hathaway. “There’s no equity stake, no application fee, no relocation required. You keep 100 percent of what you’ve built. Add in the backing of a national SBA network and a research university, and our clients get a level of expertise and access that’s hard to find anywhere else in this region, especially for a business that’s already growing and just needs the right guidance to keep moving in the right direction.”
As TIME’s writer Charlotte Hu reported, startups poised for growth have become attractive targets for investment. Accelerators like Missouri SBDC at UMKC are instrumental in supporting these types of businesses ready to grow and scale, whether or not the owners plan to seek venture capital.
Unlike some accelerators in Silicon Valley or other regions, Missouri SBDC at UMKC does not specialize exclusively in any one industry. Its expert consultants, who are entrepreneurs as well, share insights and best practices from a range of industries and business models. That versatility increases their value and capabilities of its growth-focused programs.
The national recognition elevates the visibility of Missouri SBDC at UMKC even as it remains focused on delivering value and guidance for its clients. Overall, from training that supports startup, growth, and scale phases, Missouri SBDC at UMKC’s work last year demonstrated its ongoing practical impact, further proof of its earned recognition.
By the Numbers – Missouri SBDC at UMKC’s Work In 2025
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Helped 67 new small businesses launch.
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Trained more than 1,900 entrepreneurs through its programs and classes.
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Delivered more than 4,100 hours of 1:1 business advising at no cost.
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Its clients collectively experienced $249 million in sales growth.
