Innovate Mississippi

Overcoming Structural Barriers for Women in Entrepreneurship: A Virtual Workshop
2021-06-21 - 2021-06-22 | Online Workshop
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine will host a dynamic virtual workshop on June 21-22, 2021 to explore the current structural barriers driving the underrepresentation of women entrepreneurs across science, technology, engineering, and medical (STEMM) industries and strategies to overcome these barriers. The focus of the workshop will not be on “fixing the women”, but rather, on fixing the structural inequities contributing to the underrepresentation of women in entrepreneurship. The two-day workshop will bring together experts and leaders to identify promising practices for advancing aspiring and current women entrepreneurs and provide insights on how stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem can address various systemic barriers facing women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
Register Now!

CONNECT
2021-07-01 16:30 - 18:30, 2021-08-05 16:30 - 18:30, 2021-10-07 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Chicago) | Cultivation Food Hall, 1200 Eastover Dr Suite 125, Jackson, 39211, United States
Join us for CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs

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 at the Cultivation Food Hall in The District, Jackson, MS. Cash Bar and plenty of food options will be available for you to purchase while you mingle.

Please RSVP. We hope to see you there!

For questions, contact Crystal McCann at cmccann@innovate.ms.

Exchange MEDC Annual Conference
2021-07-07 - 2021-07-09 | Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39530, United States
Exchange 2021 will focus on how we can build resilient communities, spark community transformation, influence policy and propel job growth through networking, professional training and leadership development.
Plan to join us July 7 through July 9 at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi for a diverse line-up of speakers, topics and events. MEDC is working to ensure this is a safe and valuable experience that will contribute to the growth of Mississippi together.
Learn More!

The Mentor Lounge Sponsored By Jones Walker
2021-07-22 | Online Workshop
Innovate Mississippi hosts a quarterly Virtual Mentor Lounge, sponsored by Jones Walker. The next event will be held July 22. Entrepreneurs can schedule one-on-one, 20-minute meetings with serial entrepreneurs, experienced business leaders, and subject matter experts. Email Tasha Bibb at tbibb@innovate.ms to scheduled your one-on-one conversation.

Opportunity Machine - D.I.Y. Marketing Series: For the entrepreneur who does it all
2021-08-11 11:30 - 12:45 | Online Workshop
Join Opportunity Machine virtually on Zoom on Wednesdays from 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM CST. This event is completely FREE to attend, however, registration is required.
8/11 – Build Your Brand from the Ground Up with Jaci Russo, PCM, Brand State U
Build Your Brand from the Ground Up: Branding just happens. How people think of you – your brand, your reputation – is built based on this compilation of interactions. Each one of these interactions – which we call touchpoints – has the chance to make or break your brand. But, your brand doesn’t have to be happenstance. You can be intentional in how you build your brand, and when you do the right things, with purpose, you will build a brand that will be very successful.
Learn More and Register.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Business & Tech Expo
2021-08-13 08:00 - 16:00 | Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39530, United States
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce Business & Tech Expo will feature educational sessions to enhance your business. This year’s Business & Tech Expo will be on Friday, August 13, at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino! Breakfast will feature the One Coast Awards presentation and lunch will feature keynote speaker Dr. Nashlie Sephus.

Dr. Nashlie H. Sephus is the Tech Evangelist for Amazon AI focusing on fairness and identifying biases at AWS AI. She formerly led the Amazon Visual Search team in Atlanta, which launched visual search for replacement parts on the Amazon Shopping app in June 2018. In 2018, Dr. Sephus became the founder and CEO of The Bean Path non-profit organization based in Jackson, MS assisting individuals and startups with technical expertise and guidance. In September of 2020, she became the owner and developer of the Jackson Tech District-14 acres of mixed-use commercial real-estate in downtown Jackson to bring tech training and workforce/economic development to the area.

To sponsor or purchase tickets, click here to complete your order form. Questions? Call 228-604-0014.

Digital Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
2021-08-14 12:30 - 13:30 | Online Workshop
Hosted by The Bean Path
This month we’re speaking to communications strategist Theresa Kennedy about generating more awareness for your brand online.
If you’re a small business owner, freelancer or digital marketer, be sure to tune in.
See you then!
Click here to register and learn more.

Opportunity Machine - D.I.Y. Marketing Series: For the entrepreneur who does it all
2021-08-18 11:30 - 12:45 | Online Workshop
Join Opportunity Machine virtually on Zoom on Wednesdays from 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM CST. This event is completely FREE to attend, however, registration is required.
8/18 – Which Marketing Strategies Work Best For You? with Destin Ortego, Executive Director, Opportunity Machine
Which Marketing Strategies Work Best For You?: From targeting blogs to content marketing, this session will review the nineteen marketing channels small businesses can use to gain traction and grow their customer base. Join Destin as he explains how to utilize the Bullseye Method, originally defined by Gabriel Winberg and Justin Mares in Traction: How Any Startup Can Achieve Explosive Customer Growth.
Learn More and Register.

Opportunity Machine - D.I.Y. Marketing Series: For the entrepreneur who does it all
2021-08-25 11:30 - 12:45 | Online Workshop
Join Opportunity Machine virtually on Zoom on Wednesdays from 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM CST. This event is completely FREE to attend, however, registration is required.
8/25 – How to Build Content to Fit Across the Platforms with Hannah Johnson, Social Media Director, Klout 9
How to Build Content to Fit Across the Platforms: Running a business is hard work and oftentimes the last item on your to-do list is social media. But it doesn’t have to be a daunting task for you to accomplish as long as you plan your content each month with intention, purpose, and most of all, flexibility. Learn which tools and tips to use to create content that’ll easily fit across multiple social media platforms, making your brand look top-notch, no matter where you stumble across it in the digital world!
Learn More and Register.

Opportunity Machine - D.I.Y. Marketing Series: For the entrepreneur who does it all
2021-09-01 11:30 - 12:45 | Online Workshop
Join Opportunity Machine virtually on Zoom on Wednesdays from 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM CST. This event is completely FREE to attend, however, registration is required.
9/1 – Creative Copywriting that Converts with Rodney Hess, President, Rally Marketing
Creative Copywriting that Converts: Creating content can be hard. That doesn’t mean it has to be complicated. Join marketing mad man Rodney Hess as he takes you through his process of strategic planning to create content that converts.
Learn More and Register.

Opportunity Machine - D.I.Y. Marketing Series: For the entrepreneur who does it all
2021-09-08 11:30 - 12:45 | Online Workshop
Join Opportunity Machine virtually on Zoom on Wednesdays from 11:30 AM – 12:45 PM CST. This event is completely FREE to attend, however, registration is required.
9/8 – Action! Creating Quality DIY Videos for Your Company with Mark Tassin, Creative Director, Rooted Consulting
Action! Creating Quality DIY Videos for Your Company: Mark Tassin, Creative Director with Rooted Consulting, joins us to share his top suggestions for creating quality videos with little-to-no budget or equipment for your business.
Learn More and Register.

Launching a Career in Tech Pt. 2 | Hosted by The Bean Path
2021-09-11 12:30 - 13:30 | Online Workshop
This month the Bean Path is speaking to Tory Hargro, Product Design Leader at Facebook, and Dr. Amber Johnson, Software Engineer and the first Black woman to receive a PhD. in Computer Science from Purdue University.
Join us as we talk about how to find job opportunities and position yourself for success in the tech industry.
See you soon!

Financial Management Workshop by 100k Ideas
2021-09-21 17:30 | Online Workshop
Interested in learning more about Financial Management for your business? Join Huntington to discuss the concept of financial management and the practices, rules, and tools that are commonly available to small businesses, as well as how those financial management practices, rules, and tools work. This workshop will also cover financing basics for small businesses, including start up financing, financing for a growing business, financing working capital, and financing fixed assets.
Click here to register for free.

Mentor Lounge -Sponsored by Jones Walker
2021-09-22 10:00 - 13:00 | Online Workshop
Register now for our Virtual Mentor Lounge, sponsored by Jones Walker. Entrepreneurs can schedule one-on-one, 20-minute meetings with serial entrepreneurs, experienced business leaders, and subject matter experts. The next Virtual Mentor Lounge takes place on Wednesday, September 22 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Email Tasha Bibb at tbibb@innovate.ms to schedule your one-on-one conversation with one of our mentors.

TECH JXN 2021
2021-09-23 09:00 - 2021-09-25 17:00 | MS
TECH JXN and Visit Jackson have partnered for a three-day event highlighting the best of Jackson tech, film, music and food.
The annual event will be held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 23 and Friday, Sept. 24 at the Jackson Convention Complex, and Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Mississippi Museum of Art.
Now in its third year, TECH JXN will focus on senior high school students as part of an overall workforce initiative to educate students and fill hundreds of jobs in Jackson and beyond. The event, which will also feature a college and career fair, is also open to the public.
Seniors will have the opportunity to attend two of eight workshops during the event that will educate them on the four pillars of “Tech”: technology, education, creativity and healthcare.
On Friday, TECH JXN will feature a college and career fair. Representatives from Mississippi universities and corporations will be in attendance, along with City of Jackson officials, to potentially fill hundreds of jobs.
The event will also offer a “film academy” to educate attendees on the growing film industry in Mississippi and possible careers in the field. Attendees will be given the opportunity to create their own one-minute films to showcase what they have learned. Those films will be viewed at the Mississippi Museum of Art on Saturday, Sept. 25.
Register here >>

Venture Atlanta - Momentum 2021
2021-10-20 - 2021-10-21 | Southern Exchange Ballrooms, 200 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta, GA, 30303, United States
For 14 years, Venture Atlanta has been selecting the most promising tech companies from across the Southeast and bringing in top investment firms from across the nation to hear them pitch. Their alumni companies have collectively achieved over $5B in funding raised and $15B in exits. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your business in front of hundreds of investors and corporate leaders at VA 2021!

There is no cost to apply and no cost if selected. This is a risk-free opportunity!
Venture Atlanta 2021 will take place 10/20/21 & 10/21/21 at the Southern Exchange Ballrooms at 200 Peachtree, but we will also have a virtual component as well. Based on preliminary feedback from our investor audiences, most investors plan to attend in person and are ready to meet and network. For that reason, we hope that all companies will choose to pitch live on stage, but we are providing the option to submit pre-recorded pitches if necessary.
Applicants will no longer have to write an executive summary. This will make the application process quicker and easier than ever!
Applications are open May 10th – August 6th. The deadline will not be extended for any reason. We encourage you not to wait until the last minute!

Learn more & Apply now!

Accelerate 2021 : Save the Date
2021-11-09 - 2021-11-10 | The Westin Jackson, 407 South Congress Street , Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Save the date for Accelerate: The Conference on Technology Innovation November 9 & 10 at The Westin Jackson.
This annual conference is Mississippi’s premier innovation showcase, featuring a terrific line-up of speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities for business professionals, service providers, entrepreneurs, investors and economic developers.
More information to come!

Gulf Coast Entrepreneurs Meetup
2022-01-13 17:30 - 19:00 | MS
Join us at the next Entrepreneurs Meetup in Gulfport.
We have multiple entrepreneurs lined up to speak, so don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to learn and network! We’ll learn more about each other’s current projects, and hear in-depth from one or two entrepreneurs.
If you’d like to present at a future meeting, please email chris@coastcouple.com.
Thursday, January 13, 2022
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
2004 St. James Blvd., Gulfport

Jackson Area Web and App Developers
2022-02-16 18:00 | MS
This group is for professional web and application designers and developers looking to network with others in the industry, learn about new or emerging technologies, and for anyone looking to learn web and or application development (beginner to advanced).
We talk design, share experiences with the use of different tools & languages, critique sites & apps, talk industry, business, employment news, and share motivations and inspirations. This group is intended to become a hub for all today’s technologies that make up the Internet as we know it.
We meet monthly in informal settings (usually over coffee, drink and /or food) to network and socialize with other fellow web development professionals and enthusiasts.
RSVP here >>
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please RSVP, as it will dictate which venue we can use.
Sponsors: JetBrains, J.C. Hiatt
Want to sponsor? Read our sponsorship info here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VwD0XnjPAWsTN5RwpyIkywXiMHrYB3my5zO0iB_ydz8/edit?usp=sharing

Gulf Coast Entrepreneurs Meetup
2022-02-17 17:30 - 19:00 | MS
Join us at the next Entrepreneurs Meetup in Gulfport.
We have multiple entrepreneurs lined up to speak, so don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity to learn and network! We’ll learn more about each other’s current projects, and hear in-depth from one or two entrepreneurs.
If you’d like to present at a future meeting, please email chris@coastcouple.com.
Thursday, February 17, 2022
5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
2004 St. James Blvd., Gulfport

Oxford EDF/UM - Pitch Event
2022-02-25 - 2022-04-13 | MS
The Oxford / Lafayette Economic Development Foundation seeks to increase the economic development activity of the region by providing a vibrant business environment in which companies can grow and thrive. As close partners with the University of Mississippi, the EDF also works to assist technology transfer businesses to grow and thrive in the area. As a partner in the CoBuilders Accelerator, the EDF is working with other partners in North Mississippi to assist companies from the region.

Startup Focus: Early-stage companies generally in North Mississippi

Application Process: Companies interested in representing Oxford in the statewide Co-Builders cohort should submit an application by April 11, 2022. Each applicant will begin the process with a consultation session where they will be connected with local entrepreneurial development resources to help prepare them for the local cohort Interviews scheduled for April 12-13.

For further information please contact allen@oxfordms.com or call the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation at 662-234-4651.

Higher Purpose, Co. – Clarksdale, MS - Application Process
2022-02-25 - 2022-03-31 | MS
Higher Purpose Co mission is to build community wealth with Black residents in Mississippi by supporting the ownership of financial, cultural, and political power. As a valued partner in the CoBuilders Accelerator, Higher Purpose Co will support black-owned businesses from all over the state of Mississippi. Higher Purpose Business Membership applications are now being accepted. HPC Membership is designed to offer Mississippi entrepreneurs, farmers, and artists, services and support for their existing and growing business that falls within the seven priority sectors which are beauty, food/agriculture, education, healthcare, housing, transportation, and art.

Startup Focus: Black-owned Mississippi Small Businesses.

Application Process: Black-owned Mississippi businesses should complete the membership application by March 31, 2022. Applications can be completed here.

For further information please contact Shakira Wyms at Shakira@HigherPurposeCo.org or call 662-351-8595.

Mississippi State E-Center - Pitch Event
2022-02-25 - 2022-04-01 | MS
The MSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach empowers students and Mississippi residents to plan, launch and grow successful local and global companies based on new ideas or MSU invented technology. Our companies are graded in the real world – by success or failure with actual, paying customers. We use applied learning to strengthen our pipeline of entrepreneurs from K-12 to college students to graduates and have broad involvement of alumni and friends to help mentor, coach and invest in our startups. As a partner in the CoBuilders Accelerator, we join a team that is working to propel Mississippi’s next wave of technology startups.

Startup Focus: Conceptual or early-stage companies located within Mississippi, or abroad with some connection to MSU. (Only Mississippi-based companies can be selected for CoBuilders, but MSU affiliated companies from any location can participate in the Startup Summit.)

Application Process: Teams should sign-up https://ecenter.msstate.edu/summit/ by March 10th with a completed application. They will be reviewed and counseled by an experienced entrepreneur and present at one of eight divisions between March 28th and April 1st. These pitches are open to the public.

For further information please contact Brooke Lammert at blammert@ecenter.msstate.edu.

JSU / The Bean Path - Pitch Event
2022-02-25 - 2022-04-28 | MS
The Women’s Business Center at Jackson State University (WBC at JSU) is dedicated to promoting economic growth in the City of Jackson, Hinds County, Mississippi by providing confidential one-on-one counseling, low-cost training, networking, free workshops, technical assistance, and mentoring to women entrepreneurs on numerous business development topics, including business startup, financial reporting, and procurement. The WBC at JSU also assists women businesses seeking federal contracting dollars as Women-Owned Small Businesses, as well as provides valuable support on intellectual property protection and technology commercialization.
As a partner in the CoBuilders Accelerator, the WBC at JSU will collaborate with The Bean Path, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, to provide assistance to companies in Jackson and the surrounding areas.

Startup Focus: Early-stage companies in Jackson, Mississippi, and the surrounding areas.

Application Process: Companies should submit an application by February 22 to begin the process with a consultation session and work with a mentor to prepare for the Pitch Event held by mid-April. Once the venue is set, the community is invited to the Pitch Event to hear some of the best new startup opportunities from the region.

For further information please contact us via email at wbc@jsums.edu or via telephone at 601-979-4186

Hinds CC / SBDC Vicksburg - Pitch Event
2022-03-02 - 2022-03-18 | MS
The Hinds Community College Small Business Development Center (HCC-SBDC) seeks to increase the economic development activity of the Vicksburg region through providing a vibrant business environment in which companies can grow and thrive. As close partners with the Chamber of Commerce and the Vicksburg Warren County Partnership, Hinds Community College, the Hinds CC SBDC provides support to businesses. As a partner in the CoBuilders Accelerator, the Hinds CC SBDC is working with other partners to assist companies from the region.

Startup Focus: Early-stage companies generally in the Vicksburg region
Application Process: Companies interested in representing Vicksburg in the statewide Co-Builders cohort should submit an application by March 18. Each applicant will begin the process with a consultation session where they will be connected with local entrepreneurial development resources to help prepare them for the local pitch event scheduled for April 4th.
For further information please contact jim@mississippisbdc.org or call the Hinds CC SBDC office at 601-857-3536.

Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum
2022-04-06 - 2022-04-07 | MS
MCLEAN INSTITUTE SETS 2022 MISSISSIPPI ENTREPRENEURSHIP FORUM FOR APRIL 6-7

Entrepreneurs, economic developers, innovators and future business owners are set to gather April 6-7, 2022 in Vicksburg to learn about the climate and future of entrepreneurship in Mississippi.
The seventh annual Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum is sponsored by the Mississippi Development Authority and the University of Mississippi‘s McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement. Information on registration and speakers will be released soon on the forum’s website.
“The Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum is an essential opportunity to gather together individuals who are passionate about advancing ideas, creating economic impact and learning what they can do to manifest their business goals,” UM Chancellor Glenn Boyce said. “It is also a fantastic opportunity to exchange ideas with other colleges and universities in the state.
“As an institution dedicated to serving Mississippi’s people, we’re thrilled the forum is thriving. We’re also delighted the McLean Institute continues to engage with parties throughout the state to provide an avenue for building partnerships and generating growth.”
Besides the entrepreneurship sessions, the event also will feature a Student Business Pitch Competition on April 6. Panels on technology and innovation, student entrepreneurship and the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem will be conducted on April 7.
The forum is part of the Catalyzing Entrepreneurship and Economic Development initiative, funded by a financial gift from the Robert M. Hearin Support Foundation. In its seventh year, the Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum provides working opportunities for aspiring business owners and thriving entrepreneurs to share practical and useful information about building a business.
Attendees also can hear best practices of successful case studies and learn more about resources and strategies available from institutions of higher education and other key organizations.
Previous forums have been held in Clarksdale, Tupelo, Greenwood, Oxford, Jackson and Ridgeland. Because of COVID-19, last year’s forum was conducted online.
For more information about the 2022 Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum, visit https://meforum.olemiss.edu/, or contact J.R. Love at jrlove@olemiss.edu or Tasha Bibb at tbibb@innovate.ms.

The Meeting Place - Pitch Event
2022-04-13 | MS
The Meeting Place seeks to increase the economic development activity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast region through providing a vibrant business environment in which companies can grow and thrive. As close partners with the Mississippi Small Business Development Center (MS SBDC), the South Mississippi Contract Procurement Center (SMCPC), the Mississippi Enterprise for Technology (MSET), Innovate Mississippi, and local Chambers of Commerce, The Meeting Place functions as a business incubator giving startup and even more experienced businesses the best opportunity to grow and thrive on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Startup Focus: Companies with early-stage products on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Application Process: Companies should submit an application by February 22, 2022, to begin the process with a consultation session and will work with a mentor to prepare for our Virtual Pitch Event on April 13, 2022. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Regional Pitch Event will be broadcast live on Facebook and will feature an audience participation vote. Our panel of judges will rank the participants and Audience participation will add points to their score. Participants are competing for cash and product prizes as well as the opportunity to attend Innovate Mississippi’s Accelerator Cohort and pitch at the state level for Seed Funding and other prizes.

For further information please contact Geneva Dummer at info@tmp-ms.com or 228-207-0663.

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2022-05-05 16:30 - 18:30 | Cultivation Food Hall, 1200 Eastover Dr Suite 125, Jackson, 39211, 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 at the Cultivation Food Hall in The District, Jackson, MS. Cash Bar and plenty of food options will be available for you to purchase while you mingle.
Please RSVP. We hope to see you there!
