EPIC: The Place to be for Entreprenuers & Innovators

EPIC is the place to be for the entrepreneurial and business leaders in the Ozarks! Celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2027, OzSBI’s annual signature National Small Business Week event is sure to reward attendees with a full day of rich learning from experts in the business and agriculture community.

EPIC includes a keynote speaker, a business roundtable, a mixer, and a business pitch competition. In previous years, we have featured dynamic keynote speakers such as Ellen Rohr from Zoom Drain and Sarah Hill from Healium. The event has also highlighted local entrepreneurs through roundtable discussions, including participants like Bobby Walker from Devil’s Backbone Knives and Jolene Durham from Piney River Brewing. The pitch competition has been a launchpad for successful businesses, including Court Square Cafe in Alton and T&A Squared Wood Products.

For 2026, EPIC promises to continue its tradition of providing valuable insights and opportunities for the entrepreneurial and agricultural community. Aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, farmers, and producers in the Ozarks region are invited to attend EPIC 2025 to gain knowledge, network with peers, and be inspired. Details for the event can be found on the EPIC: Growing Beyond the Ozarks event page, and on our Facebook event.

We look forward to another EPIC event with you!

Meet our EPIC 2026 Keynote Speaker

Keynote Speaker: David Newman

David joined us from Myrtle, Missouri, where he runs Newman Farm Heritage Berkshire Pork with his wife, Kristin. Together, they have a strong commitment to quality, hard work, and doing things the right way.

In his keynote, From Our Farm to Their Table: Expanding Beyond the Ozarks, David shared how he has turned their small multi-generational farm into a trusted brand among top chefs, restaurants, and consumers across the country.

Watch the livestream recording of David’s keynote, and the rest of the event, here.

We hope you’ll join us in 2027 for more exciting keynotes, panelists, and networking opportunities!

Highlights from EPIC 2025:

Magic Keller receiving first place in the Pitch Competition at OzSBI.

Patty Cantrell speaks to the audience at EPIC

Thank you to our EPIC 2026 Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor:

Gold Sponsor:

Silver Sponsors:

Bronze Sponsors:

Taylor Grubaugh Chevrolet Buick GMC
The Fisher Firm
Codefi

Howell Oregon Electric Co-Op
Taylor Grubaugh Chevrolet Buick GMC
Piney River Brewing Co

Just got done speaking at the EPIC Conference in West Plains as the keynote speaker. Great crowd and lots of great energy in the room. Thanks Jennifer Brown for bringing me in to speak!