Although it is not required by Missouri law, it is advisable that legal entities have an operating agreement. This is often a policy requirement for banks to open a financial account for a Limited Liability Company (LLC).
An operating agreement is a legally binding document that governs the terms and internal operations as outlined by the entity’s own rules and specifications. It addresses structural items, including whether the organization is member-managed or manager-managed, and it outlines who is in control of the decision making and other legal matters. It must be signed and executed by all parties (members and/or managers). As your entity evolves, the operating agreement can be amended as needed; it is a living document.
If you are new to operating agreements and don't know where to begin, seek the help of area professionals. Small business service providers can offer guidance on operating agreements. Here are a couple free or low-cost local options:
When dealing with legal matters, it is prudent to engage with the services of legal professionals. For specialized services, consult with your tax professional and attorney. You can verify their license in the directories below. If you do not have legal counsel, the Missouri Bar Association has a lawyer search and referral service.
In addition, you may want to review templates that offer standard language so you can see the type of language and clauses which are generally included. However, it is imperative that if you use a template, it must be customized to your specific business and may be subject to complying with appropriate legal format. Click here for a sample Single Member LLC Operating Agreement.
The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains is a technical assistance provider that works with business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. We offer business management training and confidential one-on-one consulting services to individuals who want to start a business or expand their existing business. Download our SBTDC Brochure (PDF 433 KB).
The SBTDC contributes to the growth of Missouri’s economy by improving the competitiveness of small businesses through education, technical assistance and coaching.
The Missouri SBTDC has 28 offices statewide with 35+ business advisors. Our team has a variety of expertise, including personalized business consulting in management, marketing and strategic planning; technology development & commercialization; international trade; business growth; and tools for performance excellence, research and financial analysis. We work together to best serve you!
Once you are accepted as a SBTDC client, you qualify for free, confidential, one-on-one business consulting sessions. During these times together, we focus on what your business needs to survive and thrive. You can become a client now by taking the Client Online Assessment and completing the SBTDC Client In-take Form (SBA Form 641). Once you are registered, sessions can be conducted in person, on the phone, or via email.
The SBTDC is supported by federal and state programs to provide confidential one-on-one business consulting. Please note that while our professional business consulting services are available at no cost to eligible small businesses, appointments are required in advance. Additionally, the business assessment and client in-take form (SBA Form 641) are required to satisfy public funding mandates. The SBTDC is obliged to account for the clients we serve, the services we provide, and the client outcomes resulting from our assistance. The continuation of our grant funding is dependent upon the economic impact of our clients. Accordingly, while we are happy to respond to questions at events, we respectfully require all clients seeking one-on-one appointments to comply with our office protocol. We are responsible and accountable for our time spent.
Since 2001, the SBTDC-West Plains office has served over 700 clients resulting in over 700 new jobs created and 598 jobs retained. Clients have received over $18 million in loans and investments.
The Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) helps both established small businesses and those just beginning. We work with Missouri entrepreneurs and small businesses that are for-profit (not a non-profit charitable or educational organization). Whether you are currently in business or thinking about starting a business, the SBTDC can assist you in your venture!
The SBTDC hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains serves entrepreneurs in seven counties across the South Central Missouri Ozarks region: Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright.
Missouri SBTDCs are part of a statewide network through the University of Missouri Extension Business Development Program. The term “small business” is defined by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in the Code of Federal Regulations (13 C.F.R. 121). To determine if you are a small business, please reference the SBA Small Business Size Standards. You will need your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code. You can also use the SBA Size Standard Tool to assist in determining if you qualify as a small business concern.
Located at the West Plains Civic Center
Bronwen Madden, Coordinator
Glenda Ochoa, Business Assistant
Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
110 Saint Louis Street, Mezzanine Level (West Entrance)
West Plains, MO 65775
Phone (417) 255-7966
Fax (417) 255-7963
wpsbdc@missouristate.edu
http://wp.missouristate.edu/ucp/sbtdc.htm
Missouri State University-West Plains
University/Community Programs
Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
128 Garfield Avenue
West Plains, MO 65775
We want to talk with you! New clients must first complete the SBA 641 Form (we cannot consult with anyone until this form has been received). We have hard-copies in the SBTDC Welcome Folder and clients can also fill out the form electronically via our website—go to the Client Resources on the right-hand sidebar and click “Client In-take Form”. After we receive the SBA 641 Form, they are eligible to schedule an appointment.
There are two ways to schedule an appointment.
1. Call Glenda Ochoa, Business Assistant, to schedule an appointment by phone at (417) 255-7966.
2. Go to our website and schedule an appointment directly; click the “Schedule an Appointment” link on the right-hand sidebar under Client Resources.
Note: Client appointments are scheduled on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons to avoid meeting conflicts. However, if a client is unable to meet during this time, we will make accommodations around his or her schedule. Special appointment times will need to be scheduled in advance with Glenda.
Event information is posted on our website and included in the SBTDC Welcome Folder. For information on SBTDC training, click the SBTDC Training link on the left-hand sidebar. To register for an event, click the “Register for Training Events” link under Client Resources on the right-hand sidebar. Clients can also go directly to http://SBTDC.eventbrite.com to register. Clients are not registered until payment has been received. Registration is required two-days in advance and we prefer clients register through our website and pay with a credit or debit card. We will accept cash with advance notice (upon registration).
Our SBTDC service area in the West Plains office covers clients in the seven-counties of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright. However, we are allowed to work with clients in any contiguous state. We recommend you work with the SBTDC office nearest you (we are the closest SBTDC office for many people who live in Northern Arkansas).
There are several ways SBTDC clients can share their business success.
Clients can submit a video testimonial about their experience with the services received by the SBTDC hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains. Simply record a short video and we will add it to our SBTDC YouTube channel. Clients are also welcome to utilize our video recording equipment available at the SBTDC office.
The SBTDC hosted by MSU-WP selects several clients annually to be featured in our Missouri Business Development Program newsletter and some success stories also get featured in the national ASBDC newsletter. If you would like to share your small business success, please provide the information needed per the National SBDC Success Template. Our communications team will also follow-up with a 30-minute phone interview.
The Missouri Business Development Program (MBDP) Advocacy Day is celebrated annually with members of the Missouri Legislature. Select clients who have shared a Success Story can be nominated to receive an Excellence in Businessaward. Recipients are invited to Jefferson City, Missouri to be formally recognized and receive a resolution from their state senator or representative.
The SBA celebrates small business success with a number of prestigious annual awards including the Small Business Person of the Year award. This is an excellent way to share your story and garner additional promotional opportunities.
The SBTDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Programs are extended to the public on a non- discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Bronwen Madden, SBTDC Coordinator, 110 Saint Louis St., West Plains, MO 65775 or (417) 255-7966 to make arrangements.
U.S. Small Business Administration Resource Partners that also serve the South Central Missouri Ozarks region include the organizations below.
SBA Regional Offices support local district offices and work to advocate economic development, growth and competitiveness within their geographic area. Region VII serves Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska.
SBA District Offices offer counseling, training and business development specialists to help you start and grow your business. The Kansas City District Office serves Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Texas and Wright counties. The Saint Louis District Office serves Shannon and Oregon counties.
The SBA Branch Office in Springfield is the closest office to the South Central Missouri Ozarks Region. It is located at 830 East Primrose, Suite 101, Springfield, MO 65807. Call Suzanne Stearman, Branch Manager, at 417-890-8501 for assistance.
SBA Disaster Field Offices offer counseling and financial assistance to those who are rebuilding their homes and businesses after natural disasters.
Certified Development Companies (CDCs) are nonprofit corporations certified and regulated by the SBA, which work with participating lenders to provide financing to small businesses.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) works with small and mid-sized U.S. manufacturers to help them create and retain jobs, increase profits, and save time and money. The MEP for Missouri is Missouri Enterprise. Call Russell Humphrey, Area Business Manager, at 314-434-6300 for assistance.
Procurement & Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) provide technical assistance to businesses that want to sell products and services to federal, state, and/or local governments. The West Plains PTAC is hosted by the Howell County MU Extension Center.
SCORE is a nonprofit association comprised of over 13,000 volunteer business counselors, advisors, and mentors who offer free counseling and mentoring throughout the U.S. and its territories. The Springfield Chapter serves the South Central Missouri Ozarks region. Email a Mentor or Request a Meeting
U.S. Export Assistance Centers (USEACs) are designed to provide export assistance and make worldwide commerce achievable for your small- or medium-sized business. The St. Louis U.S. Export Assistance Center services the South Central Missouri Ozarks Region. Click here to visit their website.
International Trade Specialist by Industry Sector:
Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs) are designed to provide entrepreneurial development services and referrals for eligible veterans owning or considering starting a small business. In Missouri, the VBOC is the Veterans Business Resource Center located in St. Louis and Kansas City.
Women’s Business Centers (WBCs) represent a national network of educational centers designed to assist women to start and grow small businesses. In Missouri, the WBC is the Grace Hill’s Women’s Development Center/Grace Hill Settlement House located in St. Louis.
INCORPORATED CITY
Alton City Hall
Amy Harrington
101 Pine Street, P.O. Box 247
Alton, MO 65606
417-778-6321
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
http://www.alton-mo-business.com/
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Ava City Clerk’s Office
Suzanne Welsh
127 SW 2nd Street, P.O. Box 967
Ava, MO 65608
417-683-5516
FAX: 417-683-3823
cityclerk@avamissouri.org
http://avamissouri.org/government/municipalapplications
Complete their business license application and pay registration fee ($18 annual)
https://app.box.com/s/xpfk5g9tevawesrjgjg9
Bakersfield City Clerk’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
110 Water Tower Street
P.O. Box 87
Bakersfield, MO 65609
417-284-7238
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Birch Tree City Hall
Kristy Shields
3106 East 1st Street
P.O. Box 240
Birch Tree, MO 65438
573-292-3414
No Fax Provided
birchtreecity@yahoo.com
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($20 annual)
No Application
Brandsville
No City Government
No Contact Name Provided
Brandsville, MO 65688
No Telephone Provided
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
N/A
N/A
Cabool City Clerk’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
618 Main Street P.O. Box 710
Cabool, MO 65689
417-962-3136 / FAX: 417-962-5144
No Email Provided
http://caboolmo.com
Complete their business license application and pay registration fee ($10 annual)
Do not have a copy yet.
Eminence City Hall
Virginia Wilbanks
204 South Main P.O. Box 387
Eminence. MO 65466
573-226-3717
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
http://eminencemo.com
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Gainesville City Hall
Lisa Goodnight
208 Harlin Street P.O. Box 355
Gainesville MO 65655
417-679-4858
No Fax Provided
gainesville@ozzb.net
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Hartville City Clerk’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
200 South Main Street, P.O. Box 37
Hartville MO 65667
417-741-7334
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
Provide State Sales Tax ID, County License and Pay registration fee ($10.50 annual)
No Application
Houston City Clerk’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
210 North Grand Avenue
Houston MO 65483
417-967-3348
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
http://www.houstonmissouri.org
Pay registration fee ($30 annual)
No Application
Koshkonong City Clerk’s Office
Chris Trobaugh
405 Luyster Street, P.O. Box 368
Koshkonong, MO 65692
417-867-3260
No Fax Provided
koshcityhall@centurylink.net
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($12 annual)
No Application
Licking City Hall
Renee Keaton
125 South Main, P.O. Box 89
Licking MO 65542
573-674-2521 / FAX: 573-674-2914
lickingcity@hotmail.com
http://www.lickingmo.org
Pay registration fee ($15 annual)
No Application
Mansfield City Clerk’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
122 North Business 60, P.O. Box 467
Mansfield, MO 65704
417-924-3719
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
http://mansfieldcityhall.org/
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Mountain Grove City Tax Collector
No Contact Name Provided
100 East State Street, P.O. Box 351
Mountain Grove, MO 65711
417-926-4162
No Fax Provided
mgcd@getgoin.net
http://www.mountaingrove.net
Pay registration fee ($35 annual or $25 prorated)
No Application
Mountain View City Hall
City Clerk Willa Kramer
126 North Oak Street, P.O. Box 1090
Mountain View, MO 65548
417-934-2601
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
http://mountainviewmo.com/
Pay registration fee ($20 annual)
No Application
Norwood City Hall
No Contact Name Provided
250 North Boulden Avenue, P.O. Box 37
Norwood, MO 65717
417-746-4602
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Plato
No City Government
No Contact
Name Provided
N/A
N/A
Plato, MO 65552
No Telephone Provided
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
N/A
N/A
Raymondville City Clerk’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
209 East Highway B, P.O. Box 118
Raymondville, MO 65555
417-457-6281
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Summersville City Clerk’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
195 Rogers Avenue, P.O. Box 242
Summersville, MO 65571
417-932-4299
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Thayer City Tax Collector
Janice Tolar
124 North 2nd Street, P.O. Box 76
Thayer MO 65791
417-264-3921
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
https://www.facebook.com/CityofThayer
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Theodosia City Clerk’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
Hwy 160 P.O. Box 34
Theodosia MO 65761 417-273-4830
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($30 annual; $15 prorated)
No Application
West Plains City Hall
Mallory Hawkins
1910 Holiday Lane, P.O. Box 710
West Plains, MO 65775
417-256-7176
No Fax Provided
mallory.hawkins@westplains.net
http://www.westplains.net
Complete their business license application and pay registration fee ($30 annual or $15 prorated)
https://app.box.com/s/zlv6vf6j7mo99oiv37s8
Willow Springs City Clerk’s Office
Alicia Worley
900 West Main Street, P.O. Box 190
Willow Springs, MO 65793
417-469-2107 / FAX: 417-469-4789
wscity@willowspringsmo.com
http://www.willowspringsmo.com
Pay registration fee ($40 annual)
No Application
Winona City Hall
No Contact Name Provided
204 Ash Street. P.O. Box 426
Winona, MO 65588
573-325-4443
No Fax Provided
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($20 annual)
No Application
COUNTY OFFICES
Douglas County Collector’s Office
Laura Stelling
Courthouse
203 S.E. Second Avenue, P.O. Box 1330
Ava, MO 65608
417-683-4314 / FAX: 417-683-4246
No Email Provided
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Howell County Collector’s Office
Larry Spence
104 Courthouse
West Plains, MO 65775
417-256-4001 / FAX: 417-257-0589
No Email Provided
http://www.howellcounty.net and http://www.howellcountycollector.com
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Oregon County Collector’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
Courthouse, First Floor, Room Two
P.O. Box 352
Alton, MO 65606
417-778-7495
No Email Provided
http://www.alton-mo-business.com/oregoncounty.htm
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Ozark County Collector’s Office
Bill Hamilton
Courthouse Square
P.O. Box 25
Gainesville, MO 65655
417-679-4448
bill_hamilton@hotmail.com
No Webpage Provided
Pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Shannon County Collector’s Office
Susie Needels
Courthouse Square
P.O. Box 459
Eminence, MO 65466
573-226-3416 / FAX: 573-226-5321
susieneedels@yahoo.com
No Webpage Provided
Provide your business State Tax ID number and pay registration fee ($25 annual)
No Application
Texas County Collector’s Office
Tammy Cantrell
210 N Grand Ave, Ste: 101
Houston, MO 65483
417-967-2580 / FAX: 417-967-1439
collector@texascountymissouri.gov
No Webpage Provided
Complete their business license application and pay registration fee ($30 annual)
https://app.box.com/s/pkcry5x9es3mjdhm1hf0
Wright County Collector’s Office
No Contact Name Provided
Courthouse
P.O. Box 9
Hartville, MO 65667
417-741-7225
HEALTH DEPARTMENTS
Douglas County Health Department
Valerie Reese, Administrator
603 N.W. 12th Avenue, Building C
P.O. Box 940
Ava, MO 65608
417-683-4213 / FAX: 417-683-4111
valerier@dchd.org
http://www.dchd.org
http://health.mo.gov/living/lpha/profiles/Douglas.pdf
Howell County Health Department
Chris Gilliam, Director
180 South Kentucky Street
West Plains, MO 65775
417-256-7078 / FAX: 417-256-1179
gillic@lpha.mopublic.org
http://howellcountyhealthdept.com
http://health.mo.gov/living/lpha/profiles/Howell.pdf
Oregon County Health Department
Shiela Russell, RN, Administrator
4 Market Street P.O. Box 189
Alton, MO 65606
417-778-7450 / FAX: 417-778-6826
russes@lpha.mopublic.org
http://www.oregoncountyhealthdepartment.com
http://health.mo.gov/living/lpha/profiles/Oregon.pdf
Ozark County Health Department
Rhonda Suter, Administrator
304 3rd St., P.O. Box 180
Gainesville, MO 65655
417-679-3334 / FAX: 417-679-3828
suterr@lpha.mopublic.org
http://www.ocph.org
http://health.mo.gov/living/lpha/profiles/Ozark.pdf
Shannon County Health Center
Kandra Counts, Administrator
110 Grey Jones Drive, P.O. Box 788
Eminence, MO 65466
573-226-3914 / FAX: 573-226-3240
CountK@lpha.mopublic.org
http://www.shannoncountyhealth.org
http://health.mo.gov/living/lpha/profiles/Shannon.pdf
Texas County Health Department
Jackie Smith, Administrator
402 South First Street
Houston, MO 65483
417-967-4131 / FAX: 417-967-5700
smithj3@lpha.mopublic.org
http://www.texascountyhealth.org
http://health.mo.gov/living/lpha/profiles/Texas.pdf
Wright County Health Department
Tracy Hardcastle, RN, Administrator
300 South Main, Suite C, P.O. Box 97
Hartville, MO 65667
417-741-7791 / FAX: 417-741-7108
hardct@lpha.mopublic.org
http://wrightcohealth.com
http://health.mo.gov/living/lpha/profiles/Wright.pdf
Contact SBTDC-WP to learn how to access any of the databases listed below or to submit a business research request on your behalf.
Use the following business and marketing calculators to quickly and easily evaluate different aspects of your business.
This cash flow calculator shows you how business-to-business sales, carrying inventory, and rapid growth can absorb a business’ money.
How much does it cost to start a business? Estimate your costs quickly with this simple free startup costs calculator.
Analysts use discounted cash flow to explore the “time value of money”. Essentially, money today is worth more than the same amount of money tomorrow. This calculator helps you explore this concept.
Break-Even Analysis is an expected component of most business plans, especially for start-up companies. This calculator shows how much revenue you need to cover both fixed and variable costs.
This calculator allows you to see the impact improving your website conversion rate has on your total online sales. Enter your visitors and total orders, and you can see what an increase in conversion can do.
Use this calculator to view both sides of the investment table. See what an investor gets, and what a company gives up all in one easy tool.
Use this calculator to determine the ROI (return on investment) for your email campaigns. Based on your marketing campaign results and expected results your ROI will automatically be calculated. Use this tool to test different scenarios and see results.
Use this calculator to determine the ROI (return on investment) for your direct mail campaigns. Based on your marketing campaign results and expected results your ROI will automatically be calculated. Use this tool to test different scenarios and see results.
Use this calculator to determine the ROI (return on investment) for your pay-per-click advertising campaigns. Based on your campaign results and costs your ROI will be calculated for you.
Original Source: http://www.bplans.com/business_calculators