Southeast Missouri State Universitys Continuing Education and the Economic and Business Engagement Center present the Big Dream Gathering April 10 to help students, faculty and community members reach their dreams and goals.

This free event will be held in the University Center Ballroom. Registration begins at 6:15 p.m. The event runs through 8 p.m.

Big Dream Gathering is an opportunity for students and members of the community to think about their dreams and goals, and network with people to launch those goals into personal achievements and extraordinary careers, said Christy Mershon, assistant director of Continuing Education.

The Gathering will provide a safe and encouraging environment for participants to feel inspired and express their dreams and goals as well as connect with people who can help their dreams become reality.

During the event, Mitch Matthews, Big Dream Gathering co-founder, will give a keynote address, share his personal story and provide key strategies to help participants plan and achieve their dreams. Afterwards, participants will post their dreams and discuss and connect with one another.

Some people come knowing exactly what their goals are, but most people come to figure that out, Matthews said. We all know the value of setting goals, but we rarely get the opportunity to think about our dreams and goals or write them down. Its amazing to see what happens when people start to help each other out.

Participants aspiring to become entrepreneurs are encouraged to seek additional business start-up assistance from the Economic and Business Engagement Centers Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC) program. SBTDC counselors provide financial forecasting, market analysis and business plan development for those who have a dream of business ownership. In addition, the Center’s LaunchU program in a 12-module course that provides step-by-step instruction on creating a business feasibility plan using the cloud-based platform, LivePlan.

For more information about the Economic and Business Engagement Center, visit Economic & Workforce Development | SEMO

For more information about Big Dream Gathering, visit http://www.bigdreamgathering.com/events/bdg-semo/.