Rolla, Missouri – A collaborative initiative aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship and community growth is gaining momentum in Rolla. The Rolla LOOP, a monthly gathering supported by Missouri S&T’s Kummer College, provides a space for entrepreneurs, innovators, and community members to connect and collaborate. Launched in October 2025, the program is already fostering connections that are leading to modern ventures and opportunities.
The idea for the Rolla LOOP stemmed from a shared vision between Dr. Rachel Kohman, assistant dean of entrepreneurship education at Missouri S&T, and Rachel Jung, an S&T alumna and director of project management at Brewer Science. Jung, who also runs the social media brand “Uncover Rolla,” recognized a demand to retain local talent and support students interested in entrepreneurship. “Jung and I knew that the best way to create an entrepreneurship ecosystem was through a casual convening of entrepreneurs, resources and innovative thinkers,” Kohman explained.
Building a Community Ecosystem
The Rolla LOOP’s monthly meetings, held at local businesses, feature guest speakers and provide a platform for networking and idea exchange. The most recent gathering, held February 2 at the Public House Brewery, featured Taisa Gordon, director of the office of entrepreneurship at the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Gordon outlined the department’s commitment to removing barriers for startups and fostering a startup-friendly environment in Missouri, stating, “Essentially, we aim for to remove barriers for startups in Missouri… this is how Missouri can take the lead in supporting entrepreneurs.”
The program’s impact is already being felt. In November 2025, Vishesh Tanwar, a postdoctoral candidate at Missouri S&T, presented his company, FarmVates, an AI-native operating platform for the specialty crop value chain. Despite the audience lacking direct experience in agriculture, connections were made that could prove vital to the company’s development. “What’s surprising is where these connections can lead,” Kohman noted. “We need to have people convening together in order for those connections to start.”
Expanding Reach and Cultivating Talent
The Rolla LOOP isn’t limited to Rolla residents; attendees are coming from surrounding cities like St. Louis, Springfield, and Columbia, demonstrating a broader interest in the program’s offerings. Organizers emphasize the importance of retaining local talent, recognizing the wealth of potential within the region. “The talent is here,” Jung said. “The question was how do we keep them here?”
Kummer College Dean Jim Sterling echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of connection for growth. “People need to know how to start, then grow their companies to the next level,” Sterling said during the February meeting. He expressed optimism about the program’s future, envisioning the monthly gatherings growing from an initial group of 20 to a venue holding 200 or 300 attendees in the coming years.
Attendees like Jill Fahrenholtz, a teacher at the Kaleidoscope Discovery Center in Rolla with a background in robotics, observe the Rolla LOOP as a valuable networking opportunity. “I think this is going to be an interesting networking environment with people who might not run into one another otherwise — the serendipitous collisions,” she said.
The Rolla LOOP meets on the first Monday of each month. Those interested in participating can RSVP for the next gathering on Monday, March 2 and sign up to receive updates about future events.
As the Rolla LOOP continues to grow, it promises to be a catalyst for innovation and economic development in the region, fostering a culture of collaboration and entrepreneurship. The program’s success underscores the power of community-driven initiatives in supporting local businesses and retaining valuable talent.
What will the long-term impact of the Rolla LOOP be on the Rolla economy? Only time will tell, but the initial signs point to a promising future for entrepreneurs and innovators in the area. Share your thoughts on this exciting development in the comments below.
