When Donna Weiss launched Respond Right EMS in 2001, her mission was clear: provide high-quality training to prepare the next generation of emergency medical professionals. What began as a small venture soon grew into something extraordinary.  By 2008, Respond Right became the first private entity in Missouri accredited to operate a standalone EMS academy.

Today, Respond Right is recognized for its high-quality coursework and industry-leading simulation equipment—including a fully functional ambulance—and immersive EMT and Paramedic programs that mirror real-world emergencies.

Where it Started

Respond Right’s entrepreneurial journey began in the EDC's small business incubator, where Donna and her team gained the space, resources, and mentorship needed to launch and grow. It built a reputation as a leader in emergency medical training and eventually outgrew the incubator and expanded into a successful brick-and-mortar operation.

However, years later, like many small businesses, Respond Right faced financial uncertainty in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enrollment was down, and the path forward was uncertain.

Donna once again turned to the EDC—this time to its on-site SBDC Small Business Counselor, Louis Shaikun.  He helped Donna examine her operating expenses and reduce overhead costs without sacrificing quality.  Donna not only stabilized the business but revitalized it—strengthening enrollment, expanding community involvement, launching new scholarships, and rebuilding a solid financial foundation.

The most powerful chapter, however, came from a deeply personal moment. During a class, Donna suffered a seizure. Her students—the very EMTs and paramedics she had trained—immediately provided life-saving care.  Reflecting on the experience, Donna shared: “Do I think they are completely the reason I’m sitting here today? 100 percent.”

Full Circle Impact

From launching in the EDC incubator to navigating new challenges with the help of SBDC small business counseling, Donna’s journey shows how the right resources can empower entrepreneurs to adapt, rebuild, and thrive.  Just as Respond Right equips its students with the skills to save lives, the EDC provides the tools that help businesses succeed—creating a lasting impact on individuals, industries, and the community as a whole.