The Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) is thrilled to announce the return of EPIC 2025, celebrating its 10th annual National Small Business Week with a renewed focus on agriculture. This year’s theme, “Farm to Fork in the Ozarks,” builds on the momentum of last year’s event and highlights the vibrant connections between local farms, food systems, and entrepreneurship.
Taking place on Thursday, May 8, EPIC will feature a powerful lineup of events including a keynote address, pitch competition, farmer roundtable, and a networking mixer. The public is invited to attend this lively celebration of rural innovation and small business growth.
Karin Velez, founder of Just Grow Something and host of an award-winning podcast, will kick off the event with her keynote, “Cultivating Success: Income Diversification for Rural Entrepreneurs and Small Farms.” Velez will offer actionable insights into building multiple income streams, empowering attendees to thrive despite today’s unpredictable markets.
The always-popular Pitch Competition returns, where four finalists will present their business ideas to a panel of judges—and the crowd—for a chance to win $1,000 and the coveted People’s Choice Award. Finalists include unique startups ranging from a banjo maker to a heart-listening specialist.
Following the competition, the Farm to Fork Roundtable will spotlight four inspiring agricultural entrepreneurs:
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Emily Reavis, WPH Ranch (beef)
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Becky Bradley, Mini Mosaic Acre (raw milk dairy)
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Sandy Jones, Jones Hill Ranch (pastured pork)
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Miriam Montalvo, Rustic Waters Homestead (multi-product homesteading)
The event also features a special presentation by Patty Cantrell of New Growth, showcasing resources from the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, including innovative funding opportunities for rural businesses.
EPIC will wrap up with a Mixer offering complimentary food, drinks, and the announcement of the Pitch Competition winners—an ideal setting for networking and community collaboration.
EPIC: Farm to Fork in the Ozarks begins at 1:00 p.m. on May 8 at OzSBI. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at crm.ozsbi.com/epic25. Space is limited.
Community First Banking Company is the proud Platinum Sponsor of EPIC 2025.
For more details, visit www.ozsbi.com, follow @ozsbimo on Facebook, or call 417-256-9724.
