Celebrating Small Business Week 2025: Missouri Small Business Grows with Private Investment
“Private equity means a lot to EDI because it allows us to have the resources we need to grow”
The American Investment Council is proud to celebrate National Small Business Week, spanning May 4–10. In recognition of private equity’s critical role in supporting small businesses, AIC released a new video spotlighting Environmental Dynamics International (EDI), a Missouri-based manufacturer of aeration solutions backed by AIC member KKR. EDI manufactures wastewater equipment exclusively in Columbia, Missouri. With support from KKR’s investment, the company has expanded operations, hired more workers, and entered new markets.
Small businesses in the manufacturing sector, like EDI, benefit significantly from private equity support. In 2024, these businesses accounted for over 296,000 jobs or 19% of private equity-backed small business employment. In the video, several EDI employees share how private equity investments have helped the company grow:
- “Private equity means a lot to EDI because it allows us to have the resources we need to grow,” said Scott Hentges, Regional Aftermarket Account Manager.
- “Without private investment, it would definitely be difficult for American manufacturing to compete overseas,” added Jon Schnaare, an EDI employee.
- “[Private investment] allows us as Americans to do better, build better, and be better,” said Tyree Gross, another EDI employee.
Private Equity Investments Generate Jobs and Economic Growth
A recent report by the American Investment Council and Ernst & Young LLP (EY) found that most private equity-backed businesses – 85% in 2024 – were small businesses with fewer than 500 employees. The report also found that private equity-supported small businesses directly employed over 1.6 million workers across the U.S. economy. These workers averaged $165 billion in wages and benefits and generated $290 billion in GDP. Private equity investments provide small businesses the capital they need to expand their operations and strengthen their local communities.
AIC is proud to showcase how private equity is an essential partner for small businesses across the nation, supporting their growth, development, and innovation while boosting the U.S. economy.
To learn more about how private equity supports small businesses nationwide, visit: https://www.investmentcouncil.org/smallbusiness/.
