Missouri State University will receive a $2.75 million Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to help establish the Entrepreneurship and Business Development Center in the former Willow Brook Foods facility as part of the IDEA Commons urban research park. The project, made possible because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), is expected to create 850 additional jobs and private investment in the region.

With this funding, Willow Brook will be transformed over an 18-month period into the new home of the university’s technology and construction management department and the Small Business and Technology Development Center, as well as a business incubator facility.

“We are pleased to see the vision of IDEA Commons take one more step forward thanks to the investment from EDA,” said Allen Kunkel, associate vice president of economic development. “This project will serve as the hub for the entrepreneurship element of IDEA Commons.”

The geographic area in downtown Springfield known as IDEA Commons includes locations for spin-off commercialization of technologies and university programs that will assist with the growth of innovation, design, entrepreneurship and the arts for the benefit of the Springfield region. IDEA Commons is an example of how the university continues to be engaged in promoting the community’s livability and economic success.

“We plan to facilitate the creation of more than 850 new jobs over five years through the activities and services of this Center,” added Kunkel

Willow Brook is a 121,224 square-foot facility located on 3.5 acres at 405 N. Jefferson Ave., which includes approximately 161 parking spaces. The purchase price was $1,975,000, which was funded through the university’s one-time reserves.

This purchase will add to the university’s presence in downtown Springfield. Currently the university has facilities at the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center, the Jim D. Morris Center for Continuing Education, and the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center (owned by the Missouri State University Foundation). The university also leases space for academic and administrative needs in the Park Central Office Building and Brick City. The university and City of Springfield have reached an agreement for the university to purchase five city-owned properties in the adjacent area.

For more information, contact Dr. Jim Baker at (417) 836-8501.

Filed Under: grant · IDEA Commons · kunkel · research · small business · willow brook