Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jayme Prenger. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Jayme thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the best boss, mentor, or leader you’ve ever worked with.

I’ve been fortunate to work with several bosses I would consider great leaders, and what they all shared was a deep belief in me. One experience that stands out was early in my career when I was tasked with leading a project that felt bigger than anything I’d done before. My manager didn’t micromanage or give me step-by-step instructions. Instead, she challenged me to think big, trusted me to make decisions, and encouraged me to push myself further than I thought I could.

Because of that trust, I felt empowered to take ownership and truly drive the project forward. I knew I was accountable, but I also knew I had her support, which gave me the confidence to rise to the challenge. The result wasn’t just a successful project—it was a moment where I realized the impact a leader can have when they believe in their team. That experience has stayed with me, shaping how I approach challenges and how I lead others, always aiming to inspire the same confidence and drive in my team.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Jayme Prenger, Director of the Missouri Women’s Business Center, and I love helping people believe in themselves and realize their strengths. This role is especially meaningful to me because it brings together everything I’ve done in my career—non-profit work, banking, leadership, program development, fundraising, and training—into one position where I can make a real impact for women entrepreneurs.

At the Missouri Women’s Business Center, we offer one-on-one business coaching, educational workshops, networking opportunities, and guidance on financing. What sets us apart is our holistic approach: we don’t just teach business skills—we help women think big, build confidence, and overcome the barriers that too often hold them back. We focus on measurable results while also nurturing each client’s vision and passion.

I’m most proud of seeing women take bold steps—launching businesses, expanding operations, hiring their first employees, or securing the funding they need to grow. Each success story is a reminder of why this work matters and the impact it can have on both individuals and communities.

For anyone looking to start or grow a business, I want them to know that we are here to support them every step of the way. Our mission is to provide the tools, guidance, and encouragement to help women succeed—and to create a network where they can thrive, innovate, and lead.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think my reputation in the market has been built on a combination of action and relationships. I’ve always been someone who jumps in and gets things done, taking ownership and following through on commitments. But equally important has been understanding the power of relationships—how the people you surround yourself with, and how you treat them, can make or break your reputation.

I’ve seen firsthand that being around people who believe in you and trust you can open doors—whether it’s for sales, new opportunities, partnerships, or career growth. I focus on building genuine connections, showing up consistently, and delivering results. For me, reputation isn’t just about what you do; it’s about how you make others feel and the trust you build along the way.

How did you build your audience on social media?

If I had to sum up how I built our social media audience, it comes down to one word: consistency. I’ve learned that people respond to positive, encouraging messaging and content that feels real and relatable—pictures of local business owners, snapshots of our communities, and stories of people they can connect with.

One example is our “Motivation Monday” posts. Every week, we share a little cheerleader or “rah-rah” message, and I’ve heard from several followers that they actually look forward to it—it’s become a small ritual that brightens their Monday. Another way we connect is through short videos created from photos we take during our Business Blitz Days. We travel to rural counties and highlight businesses that might not otherwise get attention. People love seeing these stories—it’s authentic, local, and celebratory, and it has helped us build an engaged, loyal audience over time.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mowbc.org
• Instagram: missouriwomensbusinesscenter
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missouriwbc
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jayme-dement-prenger-asbc%C2%AE-56211986/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd4IxFqzUiddZ0UyG7cCGIQ/videos

Image Credits

This picture was taken on my phone by a bystander.