As the engine that drives our state's progress, economic development is assuming a greater role in the University of Missouri System's mission.  Responding to the University of Missouri's enhanced emphasis on economic development, University of Missouri Extension established, in 2005, the Community Economic & Entrepreneurial Development (ExCEED) Program to focus on economic development opportunities in rural communities.  ExCEED uses multi-disciplinary and geographically based teams to facilitate entrepreneurship as a rural economic development strategy in communities throughout Missouri.

Revitalizing rural economies requires creating conditions in which entrepreneurs can emerge, thrive and grow.  The ExCEED Program works to enhance the awareness of contributions that rural Missouri makes to the state's economy, and forging stronger connections with metropolitan centers.  Efforts to form and support sustainable entrepreneurship through communities should lead to an entrepreneurial development system and effective regional governance.