Innovate Mississippi

The BeanPath Pitch Competiton
2026-05-05 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago) | 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.

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2026-05-07 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-06-04 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-08-06 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-09-03 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-10-01 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-11-05 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-12-03 16:30 - 18:30 | 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

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
