Years of practical experience helping entrepreneurs in Northwest Missouri have led Annette Weeks to a new position at Missouri Western State University. Weeks has been named director of the Center for Entrepreneurship within the Craig School of Business.

For the last seven years, Weeks has helped business start-ups through the non-profit Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation. The Center for Entrepreneurship will train, mentor, and support entrepreneurs, providing one-on-one business coaching in starting, operating, and growing businesses.

“Small businesses are extremely important for our region, and the Craig School of Business has created the Center for Entrepreneurship to be a resource for them,” Weeks said. “We offer a multitude of resources and assistance to help entrepreneurs start, sustain or grow their business.”

“I am delighted to welcome Annette to the Center for Entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Mike Lane, dean of the Craig School of Business. “Her background is an excellent fit for this position and will allow us to begin serving budding entrepreneurs immediately. We look forward to partnering with other business development organizations serving the needs of the region and broadening the available services to meet the community’s needs.”

Among other services, the Center will help entrepreneurs create a business plan and secure financing to start their business, and to create a strategic plan and integrated marketing plan to help their business grow. Faculty and students in the Craig School of Business will serve as a resource for the Center’s clients. All services are free of charge and confidential.