Dawg Tank: A CoBuilders Qualifier Event
2024-05-22 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | MCITY Vicksburg, 1622 Washington St, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, United States
Pitch Your Startup:
Emulating a real investment environment, this startup pitch competition will have new companies asking for real money from our judges. Sign up and get cash, experience, and networking to help your business!
Qualifier Event:
At least one team will be chosen to participate in the Innovate Mississippi state-wide CoBuilders accelerator program, which comes with even more mentorship, money, and investment opportunities for startups!
What to Expect:
Each team has 8 minutes for pitches & 4 for questions from the judges. You’ll get mentorship and templates so you aren’t walking in blind. Sign up and gain exposure, receive feedback, and potentially win funding for your startup.
MCity Second Floor
1622 Washington Street
Vicksburg, MS 39180
Email us for more info:
rgilbrech@ecenter.msstate.edu
tasha.bibb@msstate.edu

The Meeting Place - Gulf Coast Regional Pitch Competition
2024-05-31 13:00 - 16:00 | 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 investable products on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Application Process: The pitch competition will be held via Zoom on May 31st, 2024. Register Online Here

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

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 | 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

Oxford EDF/UM - Pitch Event
2024-06-12 14:00 - 18:00 | 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: The pitch competition will be held on June 12th.

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

Gulf Blue Navigator Demo Day
2024-06-12 17:00 - 20:00 | Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport, MS, 39507, United States
The Gulf Blue Navigator Demo Day is an event that showcases blue technology startups. It’s part of the Gulf Blue Navigator program, which is a blue technology accelerator focused on the Gulf of Mexico. The program supports later-stage companies innovating in areas like uncrewed systems, smart ports and shipping, ocean-friendly plastics, marine aquaculture, and more.
Location:
Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport, MS 39507
Date and Time:
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 • 5:15 PM – 8:15 PM CT
Register Here

Community Development Foundation - Pitch Event
2024-06-17 | MS
The Community Development Foundation (CDF) is a membership-based organization serving to advance the community through partnerships and growth initiatives for more than 75 years. We are the local Chamber of Commerce for Tupelo, Mississippi and serve as the economic development organization for Tupelo/Lee County, Mississippi. CDF’s business incubator is the Renasant Center for IDEAs, and the mission of the incubator is to provide the physical and social infrastructure to assist in the formation and development of successful small businesses, which will diversify our area’s economy, create regional job opportunities, and foster economic growth and vitality. CDF & the Renasant Center for IDEAs partnership with CoBuilders Accelerator will help us strengthen our mission with our startups and entrepreneurs in our area.

The pitch competition is scheduled for June 17, 2024, from 6-8pm at CDF of Tupelo, 398 E Main St., Tupelo, Mississippi.

For further information, please contact Judd Wilson at jwilson@cdfms.org or at 662-842-4521.

I2M Webinar: Protective Structure and System Technologies
2024-06-17 14:30 - 15:30 | MS
The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC)’s patented protective structures and systems offer high potential for business growth and diversification. In collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), several of ERDC’s innovations have been deployed at events including the 2023 National Football League Draft, 2024 Super Bowl, and 2024 Indianapolis 500.
Business entities with manufacturing or distribution capabilities are invited to attend an informational webinar on Monday, June 17, from 2:30 to 3:30 pm CT to learn how commercialization of these technologies can be beneficial for business growth and development.
Register Here

Southern Spark: Mississippi's AI Conference
2024-07-12 - 2024-07-13 | Mississippi Museum of Art, 380 S Lamar St, Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Join us at the Mississippi Museum of Art on July12-13, 2024
380 S Lamar St, Jackson, MS 39201

Early Bird Registration Available until May 15, 2024
Call for Proposals | Sponsorship Packages

The Mississippi AI Collaborative is revving up for Southern Spark, the must-attend conference for anyone passionate about artificial intelligence! Buckle up and prepare for an electrifying experience to spark innovation and collaboration across Mississippi and the Southern US.

Southern Spark is your chance to connect with a vibrant community of industry leaders, educators, researchers,and community innovators who are all eager to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI. Register for our business, education, or community track for a customized experience. Prizes for the Mississippi AI-thon will be announced at the conference.

Sharpen your skills: Learn from the best and refine your AI expertise in our “Cafe Co-Pilot” sponsored by Microsoft.
Fuel your passion: Discover new ways to leverage AI in your business or learning environment.
Collaborate: Network with a vibrant community driving the future of AI.
Spark a revolution: Be part of the movement shaping the South’s AI landscape.

Keynote Speakers:
Kristina Ishmael, Strategic Advisor, Ishmael Consulting and Former Deputy Director Office of Educational Technology, U.S. Department of Education.

Dr. Nashlie Sephus, Principal AI/ML Evangelist for Amazon; Founder and CEO of The Bean Path

Krystal Chatman, Co-founder of the Mississippi AI Collaborative and Computer Science Teachers Association Mississippi President

MEDC EXCHANGE 2024 Annual Conference
2024-07-17 - 2024-07-19 | Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino, 875 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39530, United States
We look forward to seeing you at MEDC’s Annual Conference, EXCHANGE 2024, that will be held at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, MS, this summer!
Check the website for the agenda and registration link coming soon.

Encountering Innovation Summer Edition Virtual Pitch Event
2024-07-22 - 2024-07-26 | MS
Encountering Innovation (EI) is 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.
EI is not limited to warfighter or aeronautical technologies. Federal Agencies from various branches of government need almost everything you would need because of the great number of humans employed. If you think you have an innovation that can assist the federal government in medical, health, cyber, electronics, construction, operations, and power and energy industries, EI is for you!

Event Overview
Tech Transfer and Matchmaking Collaboration with Federal Agency Tech Scouts.
Encountering Innovation has quickly become one of the top US Pitch Events for Innovators/Inventors to present and showcase their technology to US Government Tech Scouts for special funding. Tech Scouts from the Department of Defense, Service Labs, Academia, and most US government agencies prioritize this event to listen to pitches, discuss government needs, and chat with innovators from 8+ states.
​DoD Tech Scouts are looking for innovation and manufacturing capability solutions through intentional matched private pitch sessions.
Click Here to Learn More
Apply Here by June 14

CONNECT Hattiesburg Entrepreneur Event
2024-08-13 17:00 - 18:30 | Kaffeehaus Fabelhaft, 336 N 25th Ave, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401, United States
Join Mississippi Polymer Institute for CONNECT, a business networking event for the Pinebelt region! These events will be tailored for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to discuss business strategy and pain points. Don’t miss this opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and gain valuable resources to grow your startup business. Whether you are just starting out or looking to scale up, this event is perfect for anyone interested in taking their business to the next level. Come be a part of Hattiesburg’s thriving entrepreneur community! Our next event will be held at Kaffeehaus Fabelhaft in Hattiesburg Tuesday, August 13th at 5pm.
Kaffeehaus Fabelhaft
336 N 25th Ave · Hattiesburg, MS
RSVP Here

2nd Annual Pine Belt Women Business Owner Summit
2024-08-15 09:00 - 2024-08-16 15:00 | PRCC Woodall Center, 906 Sullivan Dr,, Hattiesburg, 39401, United States
Thursday and Friday, Aug. 15-16, 2024
PRCC Woodall Center
906 Sullivan Dr., Hattiesburg
Our mission is to provide an opportunity for women business owners to find connection, information, and resources so that both the owner and business thrives.
We believe that thriving women business owners contribute to thriving businesses that build thriving communities.
Learn More and Register Here

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

Mississippi Science Fest Tech Summit
2024-09-18 08:00 - 14:00 | Jackson State University Student Center, 1328 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
Join us on Wednesday, September 18, 2024 for our Tech Summit at Jackson State University, powered by Great City Mississippi Foundation and Amazon Web Services InCommunities! Topics during this day will include STEAM education, preparing the workforce for the technology and AI-based jobs of the future, and how communities can develop plans to capitalize on the new technological opportunities for growth.
Keynote speakers will discuss topics related to the future of tech in Jackson, Mississippi including “The Jackson Research Hub,” “The Promise of Technology for Educators and the Workforce,” and “Today’s Tinkerers are Tomorrow’s Innovators.”

Breakfast & Lunch Included
Free & Open to Public
Registration Required

Student Center at Jackson State University
8:00am – 2:00pm
Registration Opens at 7:30am
Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdv2Dp_By2F4fVKdbhn9OpRkggYQUTeBDQG31FL9R6pmrdzuw/viewform?fbzx=-9065760812562570815

Innovations in Lending - Connect Gulf Coast
2024-10-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Ground Zero Blues Club, 814 Howard Ave, Biloxi, MS, 39530, United States
Doors open at 3 PM and snacks/non-alcoholic drinks will be available.
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED AND WILL CLOSE AT MIDNIGHT ON 10/15/2024.
Panel discussion begins at 3:30 PM and wraps at 4:30 PM giving participants and panelists 30 minutes before and after to start building relationships.
Don’t forget your business cards! If you don’t have those yet, create a QR code for your contact information!
Panelists Include:
1. Dennis Tynes with Voyager Lending
– SBA Funding, Creative Strategies
– Special Thanks to Voyager Lending for being our lead sponsor for this event!
2. Ronnie Emile with South Mississippi Planning and Development District
– Supplemental Funds, Revolving Loans, Minority Lending
3. Tevin Prince with Merchants and Marine Bank
– Traditional Lending (Lines of Credit, Construction Loans, Commercial Real Estate Loans, Equipment & Machinery Loans, Inventory Loans, Acquisition Loans)
4. April Williams with MS Small Business Development Center
– Start up Options
– Business Plan Development (ALL the lenders want one!)
5. Geneva Dummer with the South Mississippi Angel Investment Fund (and your panel moderator).
– Investor options and basic requirements

Wed, Oct 16, 2024, 1:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Ground Zero Blues Club Biloxi
814 Howard Ave, Biloxi, MS, US, 39530
Register Here: https://forms.gle/3WHi342hz5fceCiWA

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

A Day With NASA Stennis Space Center
2024-11-07 08:00 - 12:00 | The USM Innovation and Commercialization Park and Accelerator, 46 Shelby Thames Drive, Hattiesburg, MS, 39402, United States
Welcome to A Day With NASA Stennis Space Center! Join us on Thu Nov 07 2024 at 08:00 AM for an exciting event at The USM Innovation and Commercialization Park and Accelerator. We are excited to invite you to a unique event designed specifically for business owners interested in exploring opportunities to collaborate with NASA. This is a fantastic chance to learn how your business can engage with one of the most innovative organizations in the world.
What to Expect:

Insightful Presentations: Hear from experts on NASA’s procurement process and the types of projects available for collaboration.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow business owners and potential partners.
Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by NASA representatives and industry leaders.

Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or new to government contracting, this event will provide valuable insights and resources to help your business thrive.
Thursday, November 7 · 8am – 12pm CST
The USM Innovation and Commercialization Park and Accelerator
46 Shelby Thames Drive Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-day-with-nasa-stennis-space-center-tickets-1022836560687

Gulf Blue Networking - Building the Blue Economy
2024-11-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Gulf Blue, 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS, 39501, United States
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, Nov 13, 2024 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/vf68rxu

Accelerate 2024
2024-11-19 - 2024-11-20 | The Westin Jackson, 407 South Congress Street , Jackson, MS, 39201, United States
Get ready for Accelerate 2024, happening November 19-20 at The Westin Jackson! This year, we’re celebrating 25 years of innovation with the theme, “You Can Build It Here.” This annual event is all about collaboration—bringing people together, sharing resources, and building partnerships to strengthen Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. And the best part? You can do all of this right here in Mississippi! If you’re passionate about fostering a vibrant environment for startups to thrive and succeed, this is the event you won’t want to miss.

The Conference on Technology Innovation offers a unique opportunity to connect with Mississippi’s leading stakeholders, network with industry experts, explore cutting-edge trends, and gain inspiration for your next big idea. Hosted by Innovate Mississippi, we’re excited to welcome attendees, vendors, and sponsors from across the state and beyond. Don’t miss your chance to shape Mississippi’s future economy. Secure your spot today and join us to celebrate innovation, collaboration, and groundbreaking achievements!

Learn More and Get Your Tickets Here: https://accelerate.innovate.ms/

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

The Bean Path Tech Talk
2024-12-14 10:00 - 11:00 | MS
Join us for an enlightening Tech Talk exploring the intersection of technology and the legal system. Discover how innovative tools and platforms are transforming legal services, making them more accessible, affordable, and empowering for everyday individuals. Whether you’re a startup enthusiast, a tech advocate, or someone interested in simplifying legal processes, this session is for you.
Register here: https://www.beanpath.org/event-details/december-tech-talk-featuring-representative-lawrence-blackmon

Gulf Blue Networking - Building the Blue Economy
2025-01-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Gulf Blue, 2605 13th Street, Gulfport, MS, 39501, United States
Building the Blue Economy networking series.
This is an open networking event welcoming innovators and practitioners alike.
Join us Wednesday, January 8th from 5:00 – 7:00pm as we welcome our January speaker, LaDon Swann, Director
Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and Sea Grant Aquaculture Liaison. The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium (MASGC) provides integrated university- and college-based research, education and engagement (communications, extension and legal) programs to coastal communities that lead to the responsible use of ocean and coastal resources in Alabama and Mississippi through informed personal, policy and management decisions.
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 8, 2024 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/j474k3u

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

Big Bad Business: Entrepreneur Hacks for 2025
2025-01-22 18:00 - 20:00 | The Powerhouse, 413 S. 14th St., Oxford, MS, 38655, United States
Big Bad Business is back and ready for 2025! Join us on Wednesday, January 22nd, for a meetup featuring entrepreneur hacks from our experts: Matt Parham, Bank of Commerce, Will Pipes, Adelphos Consulting, Marie Cope, University of Mississippi Transactional Law Clinic, Chris Green, Oxford Media Group, and Allen Kurr, Oxford-Lafayette Economic Development Foundation & University of Mississippi Small Business Development Center.
This workshop is free to attend and open to all entrepreneurs with a special emphasis on those in creative fields.
***YAC is offering a special opportunity for entrepreneurs: free headshots! Come between 5:30 pm and 6 pm and get a free headshot to use for your small business. Subject to allowable time.***
For questions related to the workshop or to different abilities, please email outreachyac@gmail.com. The Big Bad Business Series is funded in part through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Mississippi Arts Commission.
Register here: https://www.oxfordarts.com/shop/product/5768-bbb12225

Mississippi’s Tech Startup Weekend
2025-01-24 - 2025-01-26 | MS
Join us for a fun, learning-filled weekend where we will guide you through what it takes to assess the market potential of a technology.
By Sunday, participants will build and pitch a business idea based around a technology from our portfolio. Winners of the competition will be set up with tech licensing & grant writing opportunities.
Learn more and Apply here: https://www.techms.info/

Connect & Emerge Event Planning Conference
2025-01-28 08:30 - 2025-01-29 15:30 | PRCC Woodall Center, 906 Sullivan Dr,, Hattiesburg, 39401, United States
Get inspiration, resources, and connections that will transform your work.
What You Will Experience:

Engaging sessions with important topics for anyone involved in events
Sponsor tables showcasing the latest products, services and information
Delicious meals provided by local chefs and caterers who will share powerful insights to enhance food and beverage at your events
Opportunities to share your resources at our Attendee Resource Table (bring your info!)
Light bulb moments and serendipity as you find new ideas, inspiration, and new connections for future collaborations
All-day hot and cold beverages, including a coffee and tea bar, to fuel your day
Maybe most importantly, a chance for you to take time for YOU. The events industry is HARD. Let us take care of you for a day or two!

Conference topics include:

Resources, tips, tricks and trends for events
Event regulations and permits
Event marketing
Event safety and risk management
Food and beverage trends and demos
Managing music and entertainment
Attendee management and the attendee experience
Fundraising and sponsorships
Volunteer and event staff management
Event setup and logistics
Technology and events
Accessibility at events
Finding and managing event speakers
Power of collaboration
Events on a budget
And more!

Register here: https://www.emergeevents.com/connect/
