There are endless opportunities in rural America for entrepreneurs to start and grow successful businesses.  However, not everyone is going to have all the skills and experience necessary to sustain it.  Most of us need support in areas where we might be weak. Many times, entrepreneurs may have a great idea and the drive and determination to see it through but they may not have the resources or expertise to do what it takes to be successful.  They have the passion but they may need help to fill in the gap in their experience, and that brings us to our guests today. 

Darline Mabins and Duan Gavel are leaders of the Multicultural Business Association (MBA) of Springfield, Missouri.  MBA’s mission is to promote economic development and business opportunities through advocacy, networking, and capacity building for women, minority-owned businesses, and entrepreneurs. Darline is the Executive Director of the organization and Duan is the Second Vice President, in line to one day be President.  Both have a real passion for helping people and MBA does just that.  Listen in and learn about MBA and how they are working with over 100 small businesses and entrepreneurs in southwest Missouri to help them succeed in business and in life, and how they’re using a variety of marketing techniques to do it.