Southeast Missouri State University and Arsenal Business Growth have forged a strategic partnership to introduce a new business venture in downtown Cape Girardeau. This collaboration promises to create exceptional employment opportunities for both SEMO students and community members.
Arsenal Business Growth (ABG), a fast-growing St. Louis-based company specializing in comprehensive business solutions including sales and video development, is expanding its operations by establishing a presence in Cape Girardeau. The second floor of SEMO’s Catapult building in downtown Cape will serve as ABG's new location.
ABG is offering a range of opportunities, including full-time, part-time, and internship positions. In 2024, the company plans to hire 12-20 sales development interns, offering part-time roles tailored to current students with the potential to transition into full-time positions upon graduation. Additionally, ABG will be actively recruiting full-time and specialist staff members to join its new Cape Girardeau team.
“Our experience hiring and working with SEMO graduates made this partnership a no-brainer,” said Aaron Asher, owner of Arsenal Business Growth. “When we look at our team and search for commonalities and shared experiences among our high performers, we find that many attended SEMO. Our ability to grow is directly related to identifying and signing talented individuals who share our values.”
SEMO Assistant Vice President for Economic and Workforce Development Dan Presson says the University is proud of this unique agreement."This collaboration between ABG and SEMO presents a unique chance for growth. It not only expands ABG's reach but also provides SEMO students with a direct pathway to high-quality jobs, while contributing to the economic development of Cape Girardeau," said Presson.
Catapult became part of the SEMO campus with a dedication in 2015. Since, it has offered experiential learning opportunities for students in variety of majors. The facility will serve as the hub of this collaboration as the space strengthens career connections for students and community members. Last summer, SEMO partnered with the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development to open a Missouri Job Center at SEMO in Catapult as well.
“This collaboration offers our students invaluable real-life experience; significantly enriching skill sets and better positioning students to secure employment while they pursue their degrees,” said Presson. “Additionally, it establishes a direct pathway to potential employment opportunities both during and after college, creating a seamless transition from academic studies to professional careers.”
ABG has a history of hiring SEMO graduates and has regularly participated in SEMO’s Career Expos and events.
“Arsenal gets an exclusive, front row seat to work with a develop top-tier talent before they graduate and enter the workforce,” Asher said. “On the flip side, Southeast is bringing high-quality opportunities to the community of Cape and its students. Our hope is Arsenal continues to grow by leveraging the parternship and Southeast and Cape benefit from the new jobs and experiences.”
About SEMO’s Division of Economic & Workforce Development
The Office of Economic and Workforce Development, developed in 2022, aligns workforce and non-credit training programs with academic, industry, and public sector needs. The office works to inspire economic development through addressing regional businesses and industries training needs and delivery of revenue producing solutions.