As the holiday season approaches, there’s no better time to support Missouri-made businesses—shopping local means keeping your money in the community and helping hometown makers thrive.

CFM Insurance is proud to reaffirm our commitment to supporting small businesses and advocating for the shop local movement, not just during this festive time of year but all year round. Missouri’s local creators, artists, and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our rural communities, infusing life, culture, and creativity into everything they do. Our crew and so many others recognize the importance of helping these local businesses succeed, and we are dedicated to fostering their growth and development.

The Local Advantage: Investing in Missouri’s Economy

Shopping local is more than just making a purchase—it’s an investment in Missouri’s future. By supporting local businesses, especially during the holiday season, you’re keeping money in the community, creating jobs, and helping preserve the culture that makes our state feel like home. From handmade goods to homegrown products, local businesses play a vital role in shaping the stories and traditions that define rural Missouri.

But it’s not just about the money—buying local builds something bigger. It strengthens connections, fosters a sense of pride, and creates a real, lasting bond between neighbors. When you support local businesses, you’re not just shopping—you’re making Missouri stronger.

And Missouri’s small business scene? It’s on fire! With an awesome entrepreneurial spirit, low cost of living, and a business-friendly environment, Missouri is home to some seriously impressive stats, according to the U.S. Small Business Association:

• 530,380 small businesses make up 99.4% of all businesses in Missouri.
• 1.2 million Missourians work for small businesses, making up 46.2% of the workforce!
  
• From 2015 to 2019, young businesses created 196,808 jobs, which is 80% of all new jobs in the state!
• Missouri’s cost of living is well below the national average, which means small business owners save more and invest back into their companies.
• 5,283 small business exporters generate 25.5% of Missouri’s $13.7 billion export revenue.

Missouri’s entrepreneurial spirit is alive and kicking, and you can be a part of it! This holiday season, let’s come together to celebrate and support the small business owners who make our communities thrive. Need a head start on your holiday shopping? We’ve rounded up some of the best local makers and businesses across the state to help you find the perfect gift.

Southbank Gift Company (Jefferson City, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 110 E High St. | Jefferson City, MO 65101 
• Find then Online: Website
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

Binghams Clothing (Columbia, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 827 E Broadway | Columbia, MO 65201 
• Find then Online: Website
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram

This one's for the gents! Since opening its doors in 1981 on South Ninth Street, Binghams has been a pillar of style and quality in Columbia, Missouri. Originally founded with the concept of providing the best in gentlemen’s clothing, sportswear, and accessories at unbeatable prices, Binghams continues to deliver on that promise today. Their reputation for offering everything from sharp suits to casual weekend wear has made them a go-to destination for men looking to elevate their wardrobes.

In 1988, Binghams moved to its current location at Ninth and Broadway, where their commitment to top-tier service and exceptional quality remains paramount. From custom fittings and style advice to gift wrapping and delivery, Bingham’s always goes the extra mile for their customers. Their personalized service, combined with a curated selection of both timeless classics and modern trends, ensures that every man leaves feeling confident and well-dressed.

Rooted in COMO: Binghams is more than just a clothing store—it’s a family-run business deeply rooted in the Columbia community. Their involvement in local causes and dedication to supporting fellow Missouri makers reflect their belief in the importance of community connection. Whether it’s through the brands they carry or their role as a local business, Bingham’s continues to foster strong ties in the heart of Columbia’s downtown.

Homegrown Style & Community Spirit: As a proud Missouri-made business, Bingham’s remains committed to offering the best in quality and service while contributing to the community that has supported them for decades. Their focus on product excellence, community involvement, and timeless style makes Bingham’s Clothing a true gem of Columbia’s retail scene.

Askinosie Chocolate (Springfield, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 514 E. Commercial St. | Springfield, MO 65803
• Find then Online: Website
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | YouTube

Named “The Best Chocolate in the United States” by Food & Wine, the Wall Street Journal, Saveur, and the New York Times, and recognized as one of Forbes’ Top 25 Small Companies in America, Askinosie Chocolate is more than just an award-winning, small-batch chocolate maker. Located in Springfield, Missouri, Askinosie is a bean-to-bar micro-factory that’s leading the way in ethical chocolate production.

A Memorable Motto: At Askinosie, their motto, “It’s not about the chocolate, it’s about the chocolate,” reflects a balance between crafting exceptional, high-quality chocolate and driving meaningful change in the world. They believe that creating the best-tasting chocolate allows them to support the causes they care about, like partnering directly with smallholder, sustainability-focused cocoa farmers around the globe.

Not Just a Product—Chocolate is a Vehicle for Positive Impact: The company’s commitment to ethics is at the core of everything they do. Pioneering Direct Trade, Askinosie works directly with cocoa farmers, sharing profits and collaborating on community development projects. These farmers aren’t just suppliers—they’re business partners and dear friends. From investing in education to improving local infrastructure, Askinosie ensures that the people and places where their chocolate begins benefit just as much as their customers do.

Sweet Learning Opportunities, Unlocked: Askinosie’s commitment to making a difference extends to their hometown of Springfield, where they run Chocolate University, a program that gives local students the opportunity to travel, learn about business and chocolate production, and develop their own personal visions for the future. The program teaches students that business can be a powerful tool for good.

Askinosie Chocolate has become a model of what small businesses can achieve by focusing on quality, ethics, and community. Whether you’re savoring their award-winning chocolate or learning about the lives they touch, one thing is clear—at Askinosie, it truly isn’t just about the chocolate; it’s about what chocolate can do.

Stomp’n Grounds Espresso Bar (Hermann, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 214 E. First St. | Hermann, MO 65041
• Find then Online: Website
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram 

Nestled in the heart of Missouri’s beautiful wine country, Stomp’n Grounds Espresso Bar in Hermann, MO brings the same passion for craftsmanship found in local vineyards to the world of espresso. Recognizing that their customers appreciate the artistry behind a great glass of wine, owners Beth and Jamie took that same approach to coffee, offering a truly elevated espresso experience.

Crafting the Best Espresso is an Art Form: At Stomp’n Grounds, espresso is more than just a drink—it’s a precise craft. Unlike traditional coffee, espresso is made through a pressurized extraction process that coaxes the most flavorful notes out of each freshly ground bean. Every step of the process, from the careful selection of ingredients to the high-end equipment used, has been chosen with one goal in mind: to serve the best cup of espresso, every time.

Locally sourced and quality-focused, Stomp’n Grounds prides itself on offering an experience that stands apart. Whether you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a well-crafted cup, the care and attention to detail that goes into each espresso is unmistakable. It’s a place where you can sit back, chat about your day, and savor the richness of a beverage made with passion.

Everyone Deserves Their Own Stomp'n Ground: Owners Beth and Jamie’s love for coffee began on the road, traveling through the mid- and southwest, finding inspiration in coffee shops where they’d work, relax, and unwind. Now, they’ve brought that same sense of refuge and community to Stomp’n Grounds, creating a space where both tourists and locals can feel right at home. The shop is more than just a café—it’s a hub for the community, where visitors can sip on espresso while getting insider tips on all Hermann has to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to work or a place to enjoy expertly crafted espresso, Stomp’n Grounds Espresso offers the best of Missouri-made hospitality. Stop by, sip, and make it your own stomping ground.

Green Meadow Barn Company (Fulton, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 1626 Quail Run | Fulton, MO 65251
• Find then Online: Website
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook 

Bringing the past into the present, Green Meadow Barn Company in Fulton, MO is dedicated to preserving Missouri’s rich history through handcrafted, reclaimed wood furniture chalked full of character. Founder Carolyn Linton has spent over 30 years transforming century-old wood from barns and homes across the heartland into stunning, functional pieces of art. Every table, bench, and desk created in Carolyn’s workshop tells the story of Missouri’s heritage, where the old wood finds new life in homes far and wide.

Carolyn’s passion for woodworking started when she was a young girl growing up on a farm in the Missouri heartland. She found joy in gathering pieces of wood and crafting them into something useful. Today, that same passion shines through every piece she creates. Reclaimed from aging structures, the wood she works with carries the legacy of Missouri’s farms and historic buildings, each imbued with the strength and character of the people who once called these places home.

Making a Unique Mark in Missouri Homes: At Green Meadow Barn Company, every piece of furniture is built by hand in the picturesque hills of Millersburg, MO, with attention to detail and respect for the history the wood holds. From harvest tables to coffee tables, Carolyn’s creations are more than just furniture—they’re a tribute to the resilience and beauty of Missouri’s past. Each piece is adorned with a pewter medallion featuring an ink sketch of the original building from which the wood was reclaimed, along with its age, allowing customers to truly bring living history into their homes.

Bring a Piece of the Heartland into Your Home: Carolyn’s greatest joy comes from imagining how the people who built and lived in these historic structures would feel about their beloved barns and homes living on in another form. She believes they would be proud to see their legacy carried forward through the craftsmanship of Green Meadow Barn Company.

For those seeking unique, handcrafted furniture that blends artistry with history, Green Meadow Barn Company offers a beautiful way to preserve all that makes the Show-Me-State so eclectic. 

Dubious Claims Brewing Company (Excelsior Springs, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 451 S. Thompson Ave. | Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
• Find then Online: Website
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram 

Nestled in the heart of Excelsior Springs, MO, Dubious Claims Brewing Company offers more than just great beer—it serves up a playful nod to the town’s storied past. In the early 1900s, Excelsior Springs was known as America’s Haven of Health, attracting people from all over the country seeking relief from its over 40 mineral springs, each boasting unique healing properties. These mineral water pavilions and bathhouses flourished, giving rise to health sanitariums that promised miraculous cures for the ill.

A Taste of History, with a Twist: By mid-century, an expose on the questionable health benefits—those “dubious claims”—put an end to Excelsior Springs’ reign as a health destination. Today, Dubious Claims Brewing Company keeps that history alive with a sense of humor and great beer. Their lineup of brews, with names like Vitality, Relief, Therapy, and Bath House Blueberry, offer a tongue-in-cheek nod to the town’s past healing claims.

While you may no longer be able to drink the waters, Dubious Claims invites you to let their craft beer be the cure for what “ales” you! With a variety of expertly brewed styles to choose from, there’s something for every beer lover to enjoy—all while celebrating Excelsior Springs’ quirky history.

Stop by Dubious Claims Brewing Company for a refreshing pint and raise a glass to the town’s unique past. Because here, the beer might not promise to heal, but it sure makes for a good time.

Melvin’s on Main (Concordia, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 534 S. Main St. | Concordia, Missouri 64020
• Find then Online: Website
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram 

Nestled in the heart of Concordia, MO - CFM's own hometown - Melvin’s on Main is a family-owned gem offering a beautifully curated selection of eclectic vintage décor, home essentials, multi-generational clothing, accessories, shoes, and more. As champions of local creativity, Melvin’s proudly features a range of Missouri-made products, with many items handcrafted by the owner herself. This makes each piece not only unique but filled with personal passion and artistry.

Your Home & Wardrobe Should Tell a Story: From home décor that tells a story to fashion-forward clothing and accessories, Melvin’s on Main blends vintage charm with modern essentials. The owner’s handmade creations are highlights of the store, adding an even more personal touch to the shopping experience.

At its core, Melvin’s on Main is about community and family in the heart of Small Town USA. As a tight-knit family-run business, they take pride in offering quality products with heart, supporting fellow local makers, and welcoming every customer with a smile. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Concordia, you’ll find a warm atmosphere and expert guidance to help you discover that perfect treasure you didn't know you needed but can't live without.

Stop by Melvin’s and explore the charm of locally crafted goods—where each item tells a story, and every visit feels like coming home.

Awesome Blossoms (Warrensburg, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 212 N. Holden St. | Warrensburg, MO 64093
• Find then Online: Website
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram 

For the perfect flower arrangement that will make any occasion truly special, look no further than Awesome Blossoms in Warrensburg, MO. Family-owned and operated since 2014, this local Missouri-made florist has built a reputation for creating beautiful, unique floral designs that turn any event into a memorable experience. Whether you’re celebrating life’s milestones or sending flowers “just because,” Awesome Blossoms brings over 25 years of expertise to every arrangement.

Fresh Flowers, Thoughtful Service: What sets Awesome Blossoms apart is their commitment to using the freshest flowers and their ability to cater to any budget. From elegant weddings to heartfelt sympathy arrangements, their talented team can bring your vision to life. If you can dream it, Awesome Blossoms can create it!

Proudly serving the Warrensburg community, they offer daily floral delivery to local funeral homes and hospitals and can even help you send flowers anywhere in the world. Not sure what to send? Their friendly, knowledgeable staff is always ready with creative suggestions to make your order as special as the occasion itself.

At Awesome Blossoms, they know that flowers are much more than just a gift—they’re a way to express emotions and celebrate life’s biggest moments. For weddings, holidays, special events, or even everyday décor, they’re your first stop for making sure your day is a blooming success. Plus, with a range of unique gifts, including candles, plush animals, gourmet baskets, and more, they offer something for every occasion.

Whether you’re ordering flowers for a celebration or a moment of comfort, their expert florists are here to make your experience a little brighter.

Route 24 Farm Store (Wellington, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 114 MO-224 | Wellington, MO 64097
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram 

In the small, tight-knit town of Wellington, Missouri, Route 24 Farm Store was born during one of the most uncertain times. In 2020, when life came to a halt during the pandemic, Rheanna Todd, along with her family, saw an opportunity to create something special. While helping manage the family farm and raising two young boys, she began selling homemade bread at local community nights. This small venture quickly grew into what would become a cherished local business - one that recently caught the attention of yours truly and the famous Only in Missouri Blog.

Growing a Business While Building a Community: By May 2022, Route 24 Farm Store had expanded into a bakery and retail space offering much more than just bread. Known for its mouthwatering sandwiches, pizzas, jumbo cookies, and freeze-dried candy, the store has become a go-to spot for locals. With each expansion, the store added more seating, becoming a true community hub where people gather to enjoy delicious food and good company.

Running a small business comes with its challenges, and Rheanna navigated those hurdles while learning the ins and outs of operating a retail business. Supported by her family’s strong work ethic, the store continues to grow, with its welcoming atmosphere making it a central part of the Wellington community.

From Humble Beginnings to Generous Impact: Beyond its bakery and café, Route 24 Farm Store is known for its generosity. A Donation Tip Jar on the counter allows the business to give back to local causes, raising an impressive amount of money each month through customer donations. The store donates these funds to different community organizations, ensuring that the community that has supported them from the start benefits in return.

From its humble beginnings to its current standing as a beloved local business, Route 24 Farm Store is more than just a place to grab a bite—it’s a shining example of what makes Missouri-made businesses so special.

Salty Hippo Studio (Chillicothe, MO)

• Find them on the Map: 512 Washington St. | Chillicothe, MO 64601
• Find then Online: Website
• Find them on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram 

Located in the heart of the Home of Sliced Bread, The Salty Hippo is more than just an art studio and retail space—it’s a thriving example of the creativity and craftsmanship that makes small, Missouri-made businesses shine. Founded by a former New Yorker with a passion for pattern-making and hands-on artistry, The Salty Hippo brings unique, hand-printed textiles and graphic designs to life, offering something truly different from mass-produced items you’ll find in chain stores.

At The Salty Hippo Studio, everything is designed and screen-printed in small batches by hand, ensuring each piece is as unique as the vision behind it. The inspiration for these designs comes from the world around us, blending elements of both nature and the built environment into bold, graphic prints. Each creation has a personal touch and reflects the owner’s creative journey from big-city strategist to rural Missouri artist.

All the Way From NY to MO: After spending 14 years as a creative strategist for renowned brands like Vogue and CoverGirl, the studio’s owner moved from New York City to Missouri in 2019 to follow her dream of working with her hands and creating beautiful, functional art. She chose to renovate a historic 1894 building in Chillicothe, transforming it into the headquarters of The Salty Hippo Studio—a perfect blend of history, artistry, and innovation.

And the name? Inspired by a trip to Botswana and the unforgettable laughter of hippos, the Salty Hippo represents a love for unbridled joy, creativity, and a bit of attitude. With a playful nod to family memories and gatherings consumed by belly laughs, the name embodies the lighthearted spirit behind the business.

The Salty Hippo is a shining example of how a passion for craftsmanship and creativity can thrive in Missouri’s small business landscape. With its locally-made, small-batch designs, this studio brings something fresh and authentic to the table—making it a must-visit for anyone looking to support local artistry.

Always Celebrate Local Talent: Shop Small & Make a Big Difference

As we’ve seen through the stories of just a few of Missouri’s talented small business owners, these local makers and entrepreneurs are the heart and soul of our communities. Their creativity, hard work, and passion make Missouri truly special, offering one-of-a-kind products and experiences that you simply can’t find anywhere else.

Shopping local means more than just supporting a business—it means investing in your neighbors, strengthening our economy, and preserving the unique culture of our state. As the holiday season approaches, we encourage you to make local shopping a priority, not just now, but all year round. Each purchase you make at a local business is a vote of confidence in the small business owners who make Missouri thrive.

And don’t forget—your local CFM Agency is also a small business, rooted in your community and dedicated to serving your needs. Just like the businesses highlighted here, your agency relies on your loyalty and support to continue providing personalized service and protection for your home, farm, and family.

Let’s continue to celebrate and uplift these incredible entrepreneurs and local agencies by choosing to shop small, share their stories, and keep our communities strong.