Codefi is actively recruiting for their 120-Day Tech Startup program.
Feb 04 2025 at 8 a.m.
Have you ever had an idea for an app or software that could solve a problem or make life easier for others? Maybe you’ve noticed a common issue and thought, ‘There should be an app for this.’ Codefi in Springfield, Missouri, created the 120-Day Tech Startup program to help turn those tech-driven ideas into real, viable business ventures.
PRESENTED BY
Launching a tech startup in southern Missouri comes with its own set of challenges—less venture capital, a smaller tech talent pool and fewer mentorship opportunities than in bigger cities. Usually, if you have a high-growth tech idea, you have to head to Kansas City or St. Louis to find the right support and funding. “Codefi addresses these challenges through our comprehensive suite of programs and services designed to eliminate skills and opportunity gaps,” says Startup Program Director Crystal Owens. “We provide the resources to help entrepreneurs validate ideas, connect with experts and access early-stage funding through initiatives like the Innovate SOMO funds.”
By combining educational, hands-on programming, access to capital and a robust community network, Codefi ensures that local entrepreneurs have the tools and support they need to succeed.
The 120-Day Tech Startup program helps aspiring entrepreneurs determine if their idea can become a viable tech startup—even without a technical background. With a structured, step-by-step approach, the program guides participants through key stages like idea validation, market testing, building a scalable business model and preparing to pitch to investors.
Accessibility is another key factor. The program is offered at no cost to eligible teams, making sure that local entrepreneurs have access to the necessary resources.
After the 120-day startup program, Codefi hosts a pitch event, Invest SOMO, a couple of times a year—a capital-raising event where participants seek pre-seed funding. The Codefi team works closely with them every step of the way, helping refine pitch decks and presentations while teaching them about the investors in the room and how to tailor their messaging.
At the event, participants aim to secure early-stage funding. “We’re looking for that first $50,000 that would help them build the software and help them take the next step in their process,” says Owens.
If participants receive funding, Codefi brings them into the pre-accelerator, where they establish the foundation of their business, including proper company formation, legal requirements or secure patents, set up accounting operations and start developing a minimum viable product with Codefi’s internal software development agency.
“Tech entrepreneurship isn’t for the faint of heart—it requires grit, dedication and a willingness to learn and adapt,” says Owens. “If you love solving problems and keep asking yourself, ‘Am I onto something?’ This program can help you find out.” A technical or business background is not needed to be considered for the program, but applicants do need to be aware of the business landscape.
Owens says one of the first questions aspiring entrepreneurs should ask is: Does anyone else care about this problem as much as I do? She advises those considering the program to start talking to people, doing research and figuring out the potential market size. “Are there enough people who face this issue, and is it significant enough for them to pay for a solution?” she asks. “At Codefi, we emphasize this kind of market validation early on because it’s a crucial step in building a scalable business.”
The Codefi team is looking for individuals with the dedication, ambition and tenacity to follow through, as well as the passion and curiosity to solve big problems. Acting as an unofficial co-founder, Codefi guides entrepreneurs through each stage of building a scalable, sustainable business.
For those who are coachable, ready to apply new concepts in real-time, and passionate about solving meaningful problems, Codefi provides the resources and expertise to turn ideas into reality. Applications for the free 120-Day Tech Startup program open twice a year—in the spring and fall. Codefi is actively recruiting for the spring cohort now. Get your applications in by February 24 at codefiworks.com/startups/programs/120day.
