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.

A smiling man with a beard and short hair wearing a blue checkered shirt standing in front of a beige wall.

Meet Your Facilitator

When you connect with NWMEF, your first conversation will be with our Enterprise Facilitator, Adam Summers.

Adam is your dedicated partner, responsible for understanding your vision and guiding you through every stage of your business journey. He brings a unique blend of formal business education and practical, real-world experience to his role. With a Master's degree and a background in teaching business and marketing, he excels at making complex concepts accessible.

More importantly, as the co-founder of a successful local manufacturing company, 413 Machining LLC, Adam has been in your shoes. He understands the challenges, the risks, and the rewards of entrepreneurship in Northwest Missouri.

Raised in a family of small business owners, Adam is driven by a genuine passion for helping others succeed. He lives in Mound City with his family and is deeply invested in the economic strength of our six-county region.

"I came from a family of small business owners and want to help others achieve their dreams.” - Adam Summers, Enterprise Facilitator

Board Members

Andrew County

Charles “Rusty” Chester
Brad Derr
Jon Ecker
Cindy Esely
Joe Hegeman
Elaine Ingle
Jerry Ingle
Brad Jarvis
Gail Kincaid
Gary Kincaid
Sr. Christine Martin, OSF
Deborah McKay
Tim McKay
Keli Morris
Neema Mwigune
Paula Price
Kamara Roach
Jeanne Rost
Jason Sarsany
Annette Weeks
Ben Weeks
Phillip Frank
Sister Adu Anne

Gentry County

Janet Hunsucker
Brad Law
Kent Peterson
Heather Phillips
Mike Waltemath
Tara Wilmes
Kelly Wilmes
Ken Henggeler
Mackenzie Manring

Atchison County

Marilyn Alldredge
Bob Alldredge
Monica Bailey
Curtis Livengood
Roger Livengood
Cindy Sons
Virginia Vernon

Holt County

Charmaine Flint
Arnold Kreek
Joe Laukemper
Scott Laukemper
Mark Quick
Mark Sitherwood
Richard White
Clifton Wilson
Debbie Geib
Marcus Casady

Regional

Abby Bonwell
Charlotte Chunn
Pam Felder
Jeff Gates
Laurel Lee Goforth
Dan Hegeman
Joe Hegeman
Chad Higdon
Ginger Geeding
Dale Krueger
Jim Lower
Deb Powers
Sr. Nancy Kamau, LSOSF
Kristi Sons

Worth County

Allen Andrews
Jo Andrews
John Andrews
Rick Frese
Sherri James
Debbie Roach
Jackie Spainhower
Meggan Brown

Nodaway County

Ben Blackford
Lisa Luke
Cindy Burns
Debbie Fannon
Jim Jacoby
Adam Marriott
Kimberly Mildward
Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
David Shadinger
Mike Thomson