Empowering Microbusinesses: University of Missouri Launches Interactive Dashboard with GoDaddy Venture Forward Data
Dr. Natalia Filimonova and Alan Spell from the University of Missouri Extension have developed an interactive dashboard that uses GoDaddy Venture Forward’s geographical data. This tool supports the university's Small Business Development Center in advising microbusinesses and educating local communities. The dashboard, which came about during the pandemic, helps entrepreneurs understand how to succeed in online business.
By utilizing Venture Forward data, Filimonova and Spell created a way to track the Microbusiness Activity Index—a score developed with UCLA economists—and microbusiness density over time. This information is critical for the university’s staff, who use the data to guide small businesses and compare various regions, such as metro versus non-metro areas or different economic types within a state.
Alan Spell explains that the dashboard is part of the university's efforts to promote economic development across Missouri, especially in rural areas that often lack timely business data. The dashboard makes it easy to visualize how microbusinesses are performing across different regions and economic sectors. Filimonova adds that this project allows for detailed comparisons by economic development types, like agriculture or manufacturing, which can significantly impact microbusiness density.
As the pandemic accelerated the need for online business data, the dashboard helps track regional trends, such as population shifts from urban to suburban and rural areas. This migration pattern is often influenced by factors like hybrid work arrangements and access to broadband in recreational areas, such as Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.
Spell emphasizes that while challenges like access to capital and digital marketing persist for small businesses, the dashboard provides a valuable resource for understanding regional economic shifts and supporting entrepreneurs in navigating the online business landscape.
By utilizing Venture Forward data, Filimonova and Spell created a way to track the Microbusiness Activity Index—a score developed with UCLA economists—and microbusiness density over time. This information is critical for the university’s staff, who use the data to guide small businesses and compare various regions, such as metro versus non-metro areas or different economic types within a state.
Alan Spell explains that the dashboard is part of the university's efforts to promote economic development across Missouri, especially in rural areas that often lack timely business data. The dashboard makes it easy to visualize how microbusinesses are performing across different regions and economic sectors. Filimonova adds that this project allows for detailed comparisons by economic development types, like agriculture or manufacturing, which can significantly impact microbusiness density.
As the pandemic accelerated the need for online business data, the dashboard helps track regional trends, such as population shifts from urban to suburban and rural areas. This migration pattern is often influenced by factors like hybrid work arrangements and access to broadband in recreational areas, such as Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.
Spell emphasizes that while challenges like access to capital and digital marketing persist for small businesses, the dashboard provides a valuable resource for understanding regional economic shifts and supporting entrepreneurs in navigating the online business landscape.
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