Innovate Mississippi

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2025-05-01 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-06-05 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-08-07 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-10-02 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-12-04 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-05 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-02 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-05-07 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) and 6 more dates | Fertile Ground Beer Co., 800 Manship St Suite 101, Jackson, MS, 39202
CONNECT is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and anyone interested in entrepreneurship and innovation to network and form meaningful relationships.
CONNECT is held the first Thursday of every month from 4:30 -6:30 pm. This month we will be meeting at the Fertile Ground, 800 Manship St., Jackson, MS.
Join us at Fertile Ground and enjoy a cash bar and plenty of food options available for purchase while you connect.
We hope to see you there!
Register here
Fertile Ground:
800 Manship Street #Suite 101 Jackson, MS 39202

The Bean Path Pitch Competition
2025-05-05 10:00 - 13:00 | The Bean Path Makerspace, 451 N Gallatin Street, Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
Join us at the Bean Path Pitch Competition for an action-packed event where bold founders will hit the stage to pitch their big ideas, compete for cash prizes, and connect with Mississippi’s vibrant entrepreneurial community.
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or an investor scouting your next great prospect, you’ll find energy, innovation, and inspiration in every pitch. Come for the ideas, stay for the connections, and be part of the movement shaping Mississippi’s future.

Location: The Maker Space, 451 North Gallatin, Jackson, MS 39203
Time: 10am – 1pm

This event is part of Mississippi’s statewide pitch network, powered by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network. Together, they provide two pitch pathways—one for high-growth startups and another for traditional small businesses. If a founder’s venture shows strong high-growth potential, they may even earn an invitation to join the CoBuilders Accelerator.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21034-0003 awarded to Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2025-09-04 16:30 - 18:30 | Sheraton Refuge Conference Center, 2200 Refuge Blvd, Flowood, MS, 39232, United States
CONNECT is making a one-time move this September—to the future home of the 2025 Accelerate Conference!
Join us Thursday, September 4th, at The Sheraton for an evening of networking, celebration, and exciting updates. Whether you’re a founder, entrepreneur, mentor, supporter, or Main Street business owner—this is your space to connect.
We’re grateful to PILEUM for sponsoring the evening—thanks to their support, you’ll enjoy light bites and sips while connecting at a beautiful rooftop bar with an unforgettable view.
Raise a glass with us, build meaningful connections, and discover where we’re headed and the remarkable people driving us forward. We can’t wait to tell you all about it! Space is limited, so please RSVP and let us know you are coming.
CONNECT is an opportunity for entrepreneurs, mentors, investors and anyone interested in entrepreneurship and innovation to network and form meaningful relationships.
We hope to see you there!
Register here

Magnolia Conference
2025-10-21 - 2025-10-23 | Mississippi Museum of Art, 380 S Lamar St, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Join us for a spine-tingling journey through the latest in software development, where code meets Halloween magic in the heart of Mississippi.
October 21-23, 2025
Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, MS
Learn more and register here: https://2025.magnoliaconf.com/

DoW SciTechCONNECT Mississippi Regional Pop-Up Event
2026-01-28 09:00 - 15:00 | Jackson State University Student Center, 1328 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
The Department of War (DoW), in collaboration with the Applied Research Institute and Jackson State University, is hosting a SciTechConnect Regional Pop-Up event in Jackson, Mississippi, on Wednesday, January 28th, 2026.
With the goal of breaking down barriers of entry, this event is designed to educate, motivate, and inspire new potential performers from small businesses, industry, and academia to engage with the Department of War to grow the national security innovation ecosystem.
This one-day event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the DoW through engaging sessions led by DoW officials and staff. Additionally, participants will have the chance to ask questions and get answers directly from DoW leadership.
Register here: https://events.bizzabo.com/780508/home

MEDC 2026 Legislative Reception
2026-02-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Fertile Ground Beer Co., 800 Manship St Suite 101, Jackson, MS, 39202
Join economic developers, Chambers of Commerce and industry partners from across Mississippi to connect with peers and state leaders during the legislative session. This reception provides a pertinent opportunity to promote and raise awareness of key legislative priorities that impact economic development statewide.
Date & Time:
February 5, 2026
5 – 7 PM

Location: Fertile Ground
800 Manship Street, Jackson, MS 39202

Cost: Free to attend – registration required. Register here: https://medcms.memberzone.com/events/details/medc-2026-legislative-reception-1201

Canva Basics for Beginners
2026-03-19 13:00 - 15:00
A hands-on class that shows you how to design simple, eye-catching graphics using Canva. Create a flyer or social post from scratch and work on a design you’re proud to share. No experience needed—computers provided, or bring your own laptop
Register here: https://www.beanpath.org/event-details/canva-basics-for-beginners-day-class-1-3pm-10

The BeanPath Pitch Competiton
2026-05-05 10:00 - 12:00 | JSU College of Business, The Pittman Auditorium, 1400 John R. Lynch St, Jackson, 39217, United States
Join us at the BeanPath Pitch Event for a high-energy event where founders pitch their businesses, compete for cash prizes, and connect with Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. This event is part of Mississippi’s statewide pitch network, powered by Innovate Mississippi and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network, bringing together entrepreneurs from across the state.
The competition features two pitch tracks—Scalable Business and Traditional Business—and is one of eight regional pitch events held statewide, with over $200,000 in total prize money available across all eight events. Participants gain access to experienced mentors, receive valuable feedback from judges, and ventures with high-growth potential may be invited to join Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Accelerator, beginning August 2026.
Apply Here: https://airtable.com/appEXKLwQ5oSAorxH/pagcvoz5weGfz0lhX/form
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21034-0003 awarded to Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

Bean Path AI Month
2026-06-03 - 2026-06-26
AI Month 2026: A Month of Innovation, Built for Everyone
Join the Bean Path in June for a citywide experience designed to help Metro Jackson explore how artificial intelligence is shaping everyday life, careers, and businesses.
From networking with industry leaders to hands-on learning experiences, AI Month is your chance to engage, learn, and grow in today’s digital world.
What to Expect:
AI Month Luncheon (June 3) – Connect with leaders and explore AI’s impact
Southern Spark + AI Afterhours (June 11–12) – Innovation, insights, and networking
OATS Scavenger Hunt (June 17) – AI made accessible for older adults
Youth Events (June 22–23) – Fun, engaging AI conversations for kids & teens
AI Digital Storytelling Camp (June 24–26) – Creativity meets technology
Register for Events
