Cynics and critics, doubters and disinterested lenders - the atmosphere for opening a new business in Jefferson City might seem negative.
But in reality, the entrepreneurial spirit is robust.
A closer look at retail corridors from High Street to Industrial Drive to Missouri Boulevard reveals that plenty of people have realized their dream of owning their own business.
StartUp Jefferson City, a group of local experts committed to supporting future entrepreneurs, formed this spring to ensure that trend continues.
The organizing committee hopes to make the process easier and more attractive by pooling resources and making them more accessible.