Innovate Mississippi

Business & Leadership Series: Critical Thinking
2024-03-27 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Billy Kim International Center, 1500 Peachtree Street, Jackson, MS, 39202, United States
The world is changing at an alarming rate. We are confronted daily with more information through social media, increased data, and must make decisions quicker than ever before. Our success can depend in large part on our ability to evaluate the credibility and accuracy of information, ask good questions, and decide what should be dine in response to it – this requires Critical Thinking Skills.
Register Here

America’s Seed Fund Road Tour, Jackson
2024-04-03 08:00 - 14:00 | Jackson State University Student Center, 1328 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
America’s Seed Fund Road Tour is a national outreach effort to connect innovators and entrepreneurs to non-dilutive, technology funding opportunities provided through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, known as “America’s Seed Fund”.
America’s Seed Fund Road Tour plays an important role in encouraging participation in innovation and entrepreneurship by members of underrepresented groups while supporting the mission of the SBIR/STTR programs to support scientific excellence and technological innovation to build a strong national economy.
Federal Agency representatives have been invited to attend a series of events in Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas that bring together local and national innovation ecosystems to help attendees navigate over $4 billion in early-stage funding opportunities through America’s Seed Fund.
Sign up now and secure your spot. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/americas-seed-fund-2024-road-tour-jackson-ms-tickets-791325645307?aff=oddtdtcreator

Agenda:
7:00 – 8:00am – Registration and Networking
8:00 – 8:15am – Host Welcome and Introduction VIP’s: Janita Stewart, SBA Mississippi Director and Jackson State University Representative in Ballroom B
8:15 – 8:47am – America’s Seed Fund – SBIR/STTR Overview
(Erick Page-Littleford, Acting Director SBIR/STTR Program Office and Nancy Kamei, SBA Program Development Specialist)

8:45am – One-on-one’s kick off in Ballroom A
8:48 – 9:44am – Four-minute Reverse Pitches from Agencies
9:48 – 10:30am – Panel Session 1: Matching Your Project to an Agency
(Nancy Kamei)
Have you wondered how to get focused on a few SBIR agencies? We understand how America’s Seed Fund can seem a bit overwhelming at first, which is why the session is of value! Catch a general overview of the SBIR/STTR programs as experts answer questions about how to get started, what types of companies they are looking for, agency prerequisites, the nuances between granting and contracting agencies, and more!

10:30 – 11:10pm – Panel Session 2: Inside the Head of an Evaluator (Erick Page-Littleford)
Curious about what evaluators are looking for when reviewing submissions? Don’t miss this last session with Agency Program Managers as they share common and avoidable mistakes made by applicants. Enjoy candid insight for preparing more competitive proposals. The panel will also touch on items required by the SBIR Policy Directive to be reviewed at any SBIR program.

11:10 – 11:50am – Panel Session 3: Finding Support and Help (Nancy or Erick)
Join us for this important session to gain insights on the resources available to you from the SBA at sbir.gov, organizations within your state or region that can guide you along your journey, and additional resources connected to our nation’s innovation ecosystem. Leave with concrete next steps on how to get started.
12:00 – 12:15pm – Get lunches & move to “Cookies & Connections” in Ballroom B
12:15pm – Federal Agency representatives board the bus
12:15pm – Cookies & Connections with Universities
Want to work with a Mississippi Research University to increase your chances of a successful project and a successful SBIR/STTR Application? Come meet with various university research groups from Mississippi’s research universities in a rapid-fire networking event.

12:45pm – Mississippi-Specific Resources and the MS-FAST Program (Joe Graben)
The MS-FAST Program, led by Innovate Mississippi in conjunction with the USM Office of Innovation Management, aims to elevate the volume of SBIR and STTR proposals from small businesses in Mississippi, ultimately increasing SBIR/STTR awards. Through direct counseling with companies, solicitation matching and Phase 0 awards, MS-FAST helps Mississippi companies create winning SBIR/STTR proposals.
1:15pm – Show Me the Money! – The funding to fit your business (Tony Jeff)
While SBIR/STTR funding is a great source of non-dilutive funding, many other financial tools are available to get your business on the fast track. Innovate Mississippi has a wide variety of tools and connections to others with even more tools that will be explored and discussed.
1:45pm – Encountering Innovation and the Department of Defense with the RISE Center Edge
(Barbara Bonner-Stephens and Chip Templeton)
Mississippi SBDC participates in Encountering Innovation, a program offering opportunities for innovators, government tech scouts, and manufacturing & technology companies (from Federal Agency Prime Contractors to Small Businesses) to collaborate with each other for Commercialization and Contracting purposes via Private Tech Transfer Pitches and Matchmaking Sessions. MSBDC supports Mississippi technology innovators wishing to work with or advance technologies within the DoD.
2:15pm – Wrap-up & Adjourn
Learn more about Mississippi Resources for Securing SBIR/STTR Funding here: https://www.innovate.ms/mississippi-sbir-sttr-resources/

Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum
2024-04-03 16:00 - 2024-04-04 14:30 | Tougaloo College, Bennie G. Thompson Academic Center, 500 West County Line Road, Tougaloo, MS, 39174, United States
“The Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum provides a vital venue for entrepreneurs, economic developers, innovators and future business owners,” UM Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “It is especially impressive how this event brings together colleges and universities to promote entrepreneurship, inform best practices and discuss community and economic development in Mississippi. This collaborative approach is essential to priming the conditions and fostering the talent for the emergence of breakthrough ideas that will lead Mississippi forward.”
Register Here

For more information, contact Dr. JR Love at jrlove@olemiss.edu

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2024-04-04 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!

Women in Economic and Community Development: Spring Seminar 2024
2024-04-11 10:30 - 13:30 | Rickhouse by The Manship, 717 Poplar Blvd, Jackson, 39202, United States
Enhancing women in economic development’s resources and peer network through professional development, while raising awareness of the profession to emerging females in the workforce. With this group, we strive to provide the means to give women a place to grow and give support to others; to make a positive impact not just in their professional lives but within their personal life as well.
Register here

MEC Annual Meeting
2024-04-18 08:30 - 13:30 | Jackson Convention Complex, 105 E. Pascagoula Street, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
MEC will host our 2024 Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 18 from 8:30-1:30 p.m. at the Jackson Convention Complex.
Each year, MEC’s Annual Meeting brings MEC members together to focus on the best path for moving our state forward and celebrate our state’s economic successes.
This year marks the beginning of the 75th Anniversary of the Mississippi Economic Council and will bring exciting panels and an engaging keynote address to attendees.
We hope to see you there!
Register Here

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2024-05-02 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

AI Mixer
2024-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Bean Path Makerspace, 451 N. Gallatin St ., Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
This event aims to unite the Jackson business and entrepreneur community. The event provides an opportunity for individuals to come together, support, and learn about AI. You’ll have the chance to meet AI experts, as well as sign up for free AI consultations with the AI Agency. Additionally, you can learn about Microsoft’s free and certified AI Learning initiative for you and your staff. During the event, the Digital Lab will be open for you to explore useful AI tools with our AI experts, or you can simply mingle and enjoy a glass of wine and nibbles.
Bean Path Makerspace, 451 N Gallatin St
RSVP Here

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2024-06-06 16:30 - 18:30, 2024-08-01 16:30 - 18:30, 2024-10-03 16:30 - 18:30, 2024-12-05 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-02-06 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-03-06 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-05-01 16:30 - 18:30, 2025-06-05 16:30 - 18:30 and 3 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

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2024-09-05 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!
Follow this link to reserve your spot:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ssjnmf5/lp/9f63375d-eea1-4dae-8a89-6d749c851ac8

Fertile Ground:
800 Manship Street #Suite 101 Jackson, MS 39202

Tech & Tacos! Networking Mixer
2024-10-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Bean Path Makerspace, 451 N. Gallatin St ., Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
Welcome to Tech & Tacos! Networking Mixer! Join us for a fun evening of networking and delicious tacos at Bean Path Makerspace. Connect with fellow tech enthusiasts, share ideas, and enjoy some tasty treats. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the tech world, this event is perfect for making new connections and expanding your network. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to mingle, learn, and of course, enjoy some tacos! See you there!
Bean Path Makerspace
451 N Gallatin St Jackson, MS 39203
Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tech-tacos-networking-mixer-tickets-1010844843137

The Bean Path 6th Anniversary Block Party!
2024-10-26 10:00 - 13:30 | Bean Path Makerspace, 451 N. Gallatin St ., Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
Get ready for The Bean Path’s Annual Block Party, a vibrant celebration of community, technology, and innovation! This fun-filled event brings together the community, tech enthusiasts, and local entrepreneurs for a day of music, FREE food, and interactive games and FUN! With live entertainment, tech demonstrations, games, and give-a-ways for all ages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re curious about the latest tech trends or just looking to connect with your community, come out and experience the joy of innovation in a festive, family-friendly atmosphere.
Saturday, October 26 · 10am – 1:30pm CDT
Bean Path Makerspace
451 N Gallatin St Jackson, MS 39203
RSVP Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/6th-anniversary-block-party-tickets-1038900588627

Mississippi Business Open House
2024-12-13 14:00 - 16:00 | Governor’s Mansion, 300 East Capitol Street, Jackson, MS, United States
🎄 Celebrate the holidays at the Mississippi Business Open House at the historic Governor’s Mansion. Enjoy festive Christmas decorations, delicious homemade cookies, and exclusive mansion tours, all while supporting local businesses that make Mississippi shine! ✨

🗓️ Date: December 13, 2024
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: The Governor’s Mansion, 300 East Capitol Street, Jackson, MS

CyberSecure Mississippi
2025-01-17 07:30 - 15:30 | Sheraton Refuge Conference Center, 2200 Refuge Blvd, Flowood, MS, 39232, United States
Attention Mississippi Business Owners!
Did you know 60% of small businesses close within 6 months of being hacked? Protect your business and join us for CyberSecure Mississippi!
January 17, 2025
7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Sheraton Refuge Conference Center, Flowood, MS
This FREE event includes a Cybersecurity Binder and LUNCH ! Learn about:
Basic Cybersecurity Awareness
System Security Plans
Cyber Policies
Cyber Resources
Managed Service Providers
Incident Response
This is for business owners, not just the “tech guy”!
Register now: tinyurl.com/CyberSecureMS2025
This event is sponsored by the Small Business Administration and the Mississippi State University Center for Cyber Education. Contact Shelly Hollis at MSU CCE for more details: shelly.hollis@cce.msstate.edu

Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum
2025-04-03 - 2025-04-04 | Embassy Suites Ridgeland, 200 Township Ave, Ridgeland, MS, 39157, United States
The Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum is an event that brings together entrepreneurs, economic developers, innovators, and future business owners from across the state. Hosted by the University of Mississippi’s Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement, this forum serves as a collaborative platform to promote entrepreneurship, share best practices, and discuss community and economic development in Mississippi.
Register here: https://meforum.olemiss.edu/

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2025-04-03 16:30 - 18:30 | Embassy Suites Ridgeland, 200 Township Ave, Ridgeland, MS, 39157, United States
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 Embassy Suites, 200 Township Ave., Ridgeland, MS.
Join us at Embassy Suites and enjoy a cash bar and plenty of food options available for purchase while you connect.
We hope to see you there!
Register here
Embassy Suites:
200 Township Ave., Ridgeland, MS 39157

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
