We’re passionate about helping you grow and make an impact.

Group of people gathered outside Wilmes Insurance office during a ribbon-cutting event.
A group of people participating in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a gym or fitness center, with some holding a large pair of scissors and drinks, standing in front of a fitness bar and a sign that reads 'SN Fit & Energy Bar.'

Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation began with a simple but powerful idea: the best people to help our local businesses succeed are the people who live here. We saw the passion, resilience, and ambition in our friends and neighbors, and we knew that with the right support, those qualities could transform our entire region.

In 2004, a group of dedicated community leaders came together to turn that idea into action. We are not a top-down government agency; we are a grassroots, non-profit movement built on the timeless principle of neighbor helping neighbor. We believe that by investing in our local entrepreneurs, we are investing in the future of our small towns and rural communities.

Our Mission

To empower Northwest Missouri's aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to build thriving businesses and achieve their dreams by providing expert, confidential guidance and essential resource connections at no cost.

Meet Your Facilitator, Aaron Baker

With more than a decade of hands-on experience in sales and business management throughout Northwest Missouri, Aaron Baker understands both the opportunities and challenges that come with building a business.

As the facilitator for Northwest Missouri Enterprise Facilitation, Aaron works directly with entrepreneurs and small business owners to turn their ideas into action. Whether someone is launching a new venture, navigating a challenge, or preparing to grow an established business, he provides practical guidance, valuable connections, and ongoing support tailored to their goals.

Having managed and grown sales operations for multiple small businesses across the region, Aaron brings real-world experience and a strong understanding of the local business community to his role. His approach combines strategic guidance with personal, relationship-based support, helping entrepreneurs develop a clear roadmap and connect with the resources they need to move forward confidently.

All NWMEF coaching services are free and confidential. If you have a business idea or are ready to take your existing operation to the next level, Aaron is here to listen, help you explore your options, and support you every step of the way.

Board Members

Andrew County

Miu Sutton
Austin Elder
Patrick Turner
Emily Bauman
Caleb Wells
Tracie Warder
Charles “Rusty” Chester
Brad Derr
Cindy Esely
Joe Hegeman
Brad Jarvis
Gail Kincaid
Gary Kincaid
Sr. Christine Martin, OSF
Keli Morris
Paula Price
Jeanne Rost
Annette Weeks
Ben Weeks

Gentry County

Kevin Fisher
Brad Law
Kent Peterson
Kelly Wilmes
Ken Henggeler
Mackenzie Manring

Out of Area

Ginger Greeding

Atchison County

John Davis
Monica Bailey
Curtis Livengood
Virginia Vernon

Holt County

Amanda Griffin
Linda Gocken
Arnold Kreek
Joe Laukemper
Scott Laukemper
Mark Quick
Mark Sitherwood
Clifton Wilson
Debbie Geib
Marcus Casady

Regional

Joseph Penning
Doug Schmitz
Jenni Jimenez
Abby Bonwell
Charlotte Chunn
Pam Felder
Laurel Lee Goforth
Dan Hegeman
Chad Higdon
Jim Lower
Deb Powers

Worth County

Amber Monticue
Haley Ridge
Al Harmening
Allen Andrews
Rick Frese
Sherri James
Debbie Roach
Jackie Spainhower
Meggan Brown

Nodaway County

Ken Henggeler
Ashley Marriott
Derek Campbell
Hannah Christian
Josh McKim
Lisa Macali
Adam Summers
Kendra Pickering Clements
Robert Cronk
Ben Blackford
Lisa Luke
Cindy Burns
Jim Jacoby
Adam Marriott
Kimberly Mildward
Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB