Get a head start on your big ideas! Our Winter Practice Pitch is an opportunity for innovators, entrepreneurs, and students to test their concepts in front of a supportive audience before the main pitch competition in May. Participants will receive constructive feedback to strengthen their presentations, refine their messaging, and boost their confidence. Whether you’re […]
Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join us in Hattiesburg for CONNECT, a monthly networking event designed for small business owners and startup founders in the Pinebelt region. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this is your chance to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and build relationships with people […]
Join us as we bring together founders, mentors, and ecosystem partners for an evening of connection and celebration at MCity. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, Key City beer, and plenty of holicay cheer as we wrap up an incredible year of innovation in Vicksburg. RSVP Here
Building the Blue Economy networking series. This is an open networking event welcoming innovators and practitioners alike. We will feature a bluetech innovator each month! Snacks, beer & wine will be served with the kind support Chandeleur Island Brewing. Location: 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501 Date and time: Wed, Jan 14, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:00 […]
Attention Startups and Entrepreneurs: Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Join MPI in Hattiesburg for a CONNECT event, a monthly, informal gathering designed for startups and entrepreneurs in the area. This is a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere where you can gain insight, meet potential collaborators, and tap into local resources to help […]
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, […]
Ignite is a half-day leadership experience designed to ignite your potential and elevate your impact, whether you’re a seasoned leader, an emerging talent, or part of a team that wants to grow together. Hosted by the Community Development Foundation, this conference brings world-class speakers, energizing peer-to-peer interaction, and practical takeaways all under one roof right […]
Startup Weekend is now Startup Expedition! MSU's Startup Weekend is now a 3-part journey—Startup Expedition—designed to take ideas from spark to showcase. Startup Basecamp (Jan 30–31, 2026 @ MCITy, Vicksburg): A two-day launchpad where participants form teams, explore technologies, and begin the climb toward Startup Summit. Startup Elevate (February - mid-March): A hybrid 6-week guided program covering […]
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 […]
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 […]