Innovate Mississippi

Pitch at IDEAfuel
2026-07-06
IDEAfuel (by IdeaVillage), supported by the Regions Foundation, is a venture accelerator designed to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion within the region’s startup ecosystem by addressing known gaps in early-stage capital access for Black founders and founders of color.
The program provides a select number of competitively chosen startups with $15,000 in non-dilutive funding, along with 1:1 mentorship and structured workshops to support venture development and growth.
IDEAfuel is designed to help close systemic access gaps in early-stage entrepreneurship by providing capital, guidance, and targeted support to founders at a critical stage of company building.
IDEAfuel is open to alumni of IDEAinstitute or to founders who commit to completing IDEAinstitute upon acceptance into the program.
Apply here: https://forms.monday.com/forms/6ce553ab06f271e852ad34c619a03e1b?r=use1
Deadline to apply is July 6.

ConnectMS Webinar: 10 Steps to Legally Start Your Business
2026-06-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Starting a business the right way begins with understanding the legal, financial, and operational steps needed to build a strong foundation. Join ConnectMS and the Mississippi SBDC Network for a practical webinar designed to help entrepreneurs better understand what it takes to legally and properly establish a business in Mississippi.
Whether you are preparing to launch a new business or want to ensure your current business is set up correctly, this session will provide practical, actionable insight. Gene Finley, Center Director of Mississippi SBDC @ MS Delta, will walk participants through 10 key startup steps, including business structure, operating agreements, EINs, licenses, tax IDs, bookkeeping, insurance, and business banking.

Register here: Startup Space

Sloss.Tech/Ideas Southeast Pitch Competition
2026-06-24
Funded by a grant from the Regions Foundation

Sloss.Tech/Ideas is a platform for early-stage companies in the Southeast U.S. to present their groundbreaking solutions in Agtech and foodtech; Healthtech and biotech; Talent and Productivity Tech; and Emerging tech to investors and industry experts.

When:
Wednesday, June 24th, 2026

Location:
Lyric Theatre
1800 3rd Avenue North
Birmingham, AL 35203

Why Apply to Sloss.Tech/Ideas?
$135,000 in total prizes, including a $100,000 Best in Show Grand PrizeAt least 25% of finalists walk away with cash prizes$375 travel stipend for every finalist company to support participationVIP access to Sloss Tech, unlocking curated exposure to investors, customers, partners, and collaborators across the SoutheastPre-event and on-site pitch coaching to sharpen your story before you step on stageHigh-signal founder-funder touchpoints, including the Startup Showcase and Founders & Funders programming
Proof point: 100% of finalists in Year 1 reported meeting at least one investor, customer, or partner they planned to follow up with after the conference.
If you’re a Southeast-based early-stage founder looking for capital, credibility, and real conversations that move your company forward, Sloss.Tech/Ideas is built for you.

Categories
Sloss.Tech/Ideas, funded by a grant from the Regions Foundation, is currently accepting applications from startups from the Southeast, focusing on the following technology.

Agtech and Foodtech
Innovative technologies and solutions transforming agriculture, aquaculture, and food industries, with an emphasis on sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. This includes advances in genomics-improved crop varieties, cold storage capacity, eco-friendly bio-stimulants, and innovations in food processing and supply chain resilience. Cutting-edge methods like hydroponics, vertical farming, and precision agriculture enable growers to enhance productivity and address emerging challenges while exploring opportunities in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) and value-added food manufacturing.

Healthtech and Biotech
Innovative technologies revolutionizing healthcare, biotechnology, and life sciences by advancing biopharmaceutical manufacturing, regenerative medicine, and clinical trials with diverse populations. This category also highlights breakthroughs in diagnostics, bioinformatics, and synthetic biology, supported by workforce training and technology transfer. These innovations foster collaboration and growth in fields like drug development, medical devices, and environmental health.

Talent and Productivity Tech
Technologies that power how work is organized, managed, and delivered across modern organizations. This category includes platforms that support hiring, workforce planning, training, scheduling, compliance, productivity, and performance across a wide range of industries. Solutions often leverage data, automation, and AI to help organizations and workers operate more efficiently, adapt to changing skill demands, and succeed in evolving models of work.

Emerging Tech
Innovative technologies at the forefront of industry transformation, serving as a home for startups that defy traditional categories. This includes advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, internet of things (IoT), software as a service (SaaS), edtech, fintech, and Tech for Good initiatives. It also spans breakthroughs in chemical manufacturing, advanced engineering, forestry innovations, clean energy, and sustainability solutions. From real-time monitoring and smart infrastructure to energy-efficient data centers and sustainable materials, these technologies enhance connectivity, drive automation, and address global challenges. This category captures pioneering ideas shaping the future of tech and tech-enabled industries, bridging the gap between emerging needs and innovative solutions.
Sloss Tech will accept applications from February 3rd, 2026, to April 10th, 2026. To learn more and apply, click HERE.

The Community Development Foundation Pitch Competition
2026-06-15 13:00 - 18:00 | Renasant Center for Ideas, 398 E Main St, Tupelo, MS, 38804, United States
Join us at the Community Foundation Pitch Competition 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/pagHxTFjhnv9UqF3v/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.

Oxford Lafayette Incorporated Pitch Competition
2026-06-11 13:00 - 18:00 | Oxford Conference Center, 102 Ed Perry Blvd, Oxford, MS, 38655, United States
Join us at the OLinc Pitch Competition in Oxford 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/paguujTrAxob42H6z/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.

Southern Spark 2026
2026-06-11 - 2026-06-12 | Jackson State University Student Center, 1328 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS, 39203, United States
Join educators, technologists, community leaders, and innovators from across Mississippi and the South for three days of learning, connection, and practical exploration of AI in education, workforce development, business, and public service.
Includes:

Full access to all keynotes, panels, workshops, and breakout sessions
Admission to the evening reception at the Bean Barn
Conference materials and post-event resources
Lunch and refreshments during the conference

Who this is for:
Anyone attending Southern Spark to learn, connect, and bring ideas back to their organization or community.
Register Here: https://www.mississippiai.org/registration26

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2026-06-04 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-05-07 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-02 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-03-05 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

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

Entity Selection for Startups and Small Businesses
2026-05-26 12:00 - 13:00
Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important early decisions a founder can make, and the wrong setup can create costly challenges down the road.
Join Innovate Mississippi and GranthamPoole for a practical webinar designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners better understand the differences between LLCs, S Corps, C Corps, and other entity structures. Michael Langdon, Enrolled Agent and Certified Financial Planner with GranthamPoole, will walk through the pros and cons of each option and explain how those choices can impact taxes, operations, growth, and long-term planning.
This session will also cover foundational startup topics including:
• Setting up your business correctly
• Tax considerations and common mistakes
• Opening business banking accounts
• Establishing bookkeeping and financial systems
• Key considerations for startups and growing businesses
Whether you are launching a new company or reevaluating your current structure, this webinar will provide practical guidance to help you build a stronger financial foundation.
Tuesday, May 26
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Virtual Webinar
Register Here: https://startupspace.app/v2/dynamic-survey/view/402/10739

Hattiesburg CONNECT
2026-05-21 16:30 - 18:30 | Southern Prohibition, 301 Mobile St, Hattiesburg, MS, 39401, United States
Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Come network at our CONNECT event, a monthly informal gathering designed for startups and entrepreneurs in our 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 move your business forward.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this is your chance to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and build relationships with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey.
Make connections, seek and give guidance, and strengthen the local startup community on Thursday, May 21st at 4:30 PM at Southern Prohibition Brewing in Hattiesburg, MS.
CONNECT is brought to you collaboratively by the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for inventors and businesses, and by Innovate Mississippi, the state’s driver for entrepreneurial growth.
RSVP HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/720a0aaa-63c2-4de7-a0e4-3abef073396a

StartUp Gulf Coast 2026 Pitch Competition
2026-05-19 09:00 - 14:00 | Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave, Gulfport, MS, 39507, United States
Join us at the StartUp Gulf Coast 2026 Pitch Competition 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.
Ready to take the stage? Apply now!
Deadline: April 12
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.

Gulf Blue Innovation Week
2026-05-19 - 2026-05-21
Join us for three days of innovation, investment, and impact along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Gulf Blue Innovation Week brings together entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, and industry leaders to explore the future of the Blue Economy, from food security and coastal resilience to startup growth and national security.
May 19-21, 2026 in Gulfport, MS
Register Here: https://www.gulfbluenavigator.org/innovation-week/

2026 America's Seed Fund Week
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-14
America’s Seed Fund Week is a free, virtual event that connects entrepreneurs with the country’s largest source of early-stage research and development (R&D) funding.
What Is America’s Seed Fund? America’s Seed Fund awards over $5 billion annually in non-dilutive funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Small businesses use this critical funding to develop their technologies and get them to market.
What Happens at America’s Seed Fund Week?

Hear from federal and private sector leaders on the importance of continued technology innovation
Learn how to navigate SBIR/STTR opportunities and apply for funding
Meet with SBIR/STTR federal agency representatives
Connect with Federal and State Technology (FAST) organizations and find other support resources
Build relationships with fellow innovators

Who Should Attend?

Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Small Businesses based in the United States that are building technologies and bringing them to market
Startup Accelerators, Business Incubators, University Entrepreneur Organizations, and other entrepreneur support organizations
Representatives from Federal Agencies, State and Local Government, and other members across innovation networks that support small businesses

Register Here: https://www.americasseedfund.us/america-s-seed-fund-week

The BeanPath Pitch Competiton
2026-05-05 10:00 - 12:00 | 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.

Mississippi Polymer Institute Pitch Competition
2026-04-30 10:00 - 16:45 | Mississippi Polymer Institute, 46 Shelby Thames Drive, Hattiesburg, MS, 39402, United States
Join us at the Mississippi Polymer Institute Pitch Competition 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.
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.

A Small Business Owner's Basic Guide to Cash Flow
2026-04-28 13:30 - 14:30
Cash flow can be one of the biggest challenges for small business owners.
This month’s ConnectMS LIVE Webinar is focused on helping you better understand and manage your numbers.

A Small Business Owner’s Basic Guide to Cash Flow
📅 Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 1:30–2:30 PM
🎤 Don Calcote, Project Director, Mississippi SBDC Network

In this session, you will learn how to:

Understand where your money is coming from and where it is going
Avoid cash shortages and stay financially on track
Use your numbers to make better day-to-day business decisions

Whether you are just getting started or looking to improve your financial process, this webinar will give you practical insights you can use right away.

👉 Register now: https://startupspace.app/v2/dynamic-survey/view/402/10724

A Small Business Owner's Basic Guide to Cashflow
2026-04-28 13:30 - 14:30
Cash flow can be one of the biggest challenges for small business owners.
This month’s ConnectMS LIVE Webinar is focused on helping you better understand and manage your numbers.

A Small Business Owner’s Basic Guide to Cash Flow
📅 Tuesday, April 28
⏰ 1:30–2:30 PM
🎤 Don Calcote, Project Director, Mississippi SBDC Network

In this session, you will learn how to:

Understand where your money is coming from and where it is going
Avoid cash shortages and stay financially on track
Use your numbers to make better day-to-day business decisions

Whether you are just getting started or looking to improve your financial process, this webinar will give you practical insights you can use right away.

👉 Register now: https://fluoriq.com/

Get Expert Help on Your Business Plan Today!
2026-04-23 08:00 - 17:00
It’s time to move your business plan forward—together.
Join us for this no-cost, live webinar led by Mississippi SBDC Network counselors, where you’ll get practical guidance and personalized support to help you regain momentum and confidently continue building your business plan.
Developing a business plan is one of the most important challenges you will face as an entrepreneur. The process of developing a good business plan requires an understanding and appreciation for the tools required to do it right.
This workshop was developed to guide you through that process and give you a hands-on systematic way to develop an outline, investigate and evaluate the resources and create a draft of your own business plan. In this workshop, we’ll show you how to:

Research and analyze the individual components needed for a business plan
Apply skills to create a business plan for different audiences, including investor and banks.
Explain the purpose and future of your business in easy to understand terms
Describe your marketing, sales, and planning strategies and more
Learn how your finished plan should look in this live webinar!

Live Q&A session! Write your business planning questions down in advance, to ask them during the webinar.
Speakers:

April Williams, Mississippi SBDC
Dr. Alex White ED.D, Training Specialist

Sign Up Today: https://clients.mississippisbdc.org/reg.aspx?mode=event&event=1460031

Mississippi State E-Center Pitch Competition
2026-04-10 08:30 - 18:30 | The Mill at MSU, 600 Russell St, Starkville, MS, 39759, United States
Join us at the Mississippi State E-Center Pitch Competition 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.
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.
Learn more: https://ecenter.msstate.edu/startupsummit/

MSBDCN event - Get Expert Help on Your Business Plan Today
2026-04-01 08:00 - 17:00
It’s time to move your business plan forward—together.
Join us for this no-cost, live webinar led by Mississippi SBDC Network counselors, where you’ll get practical guidance and personalized support to help you regain momentum and confidently continue building your business plan.
Developing a business plan is one of the most important challenges you will face as an entrepreneur. The process of developing a good business plan requires an understanding and appreciation for the tools required to do it right.
This workshop was developed to guide you through that process and give you a hands-on systematic way to develop an outline, investigate and evaluate the resources and create a draft of your own business plan. In this workshop, we’ll show you how to:

Research and analyze the individual components needed for a business plan
Apply skills to create a business plan for different audiences, including investor
and banks.
Explain the purpose and future of your business in easy to understand terms
Describe your marketing, sales, and planning strategies and more
Learn how your finished plan should look in this live webinar!

Live Q&A session! Write your business planning questions down in advance, to ask them during the webinar.
Speaker(s):
April Williams, Mississippi SBDC
Dr. Alex White ED.D, Training Specialist
REGISTRATIONS ENDS 24 HOURS BEFORE THE EVENT! SIGN UP TODAY!
Learn More

Financing to Fit your Business
2026-03-31 12:00 - 13:00
The wrong money can cost you more than no money at all, and chasing the wrong money costs you your time. High-growth companies must align their financing strategy with their stage, business model, and long-term vision. In this webinar, Tony Jeff of Innovate Mississippi will break down debt, equity, and alternative funding options and share what investors truly look for when evaluating opportunities. Whether you’re scaling a venture-backed startup or building a strong growth company, you’ll learn how to pursue capital strategically.
Register here:

https://startupspace.app/v2/dynamic-survey/view/402/10676

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.

MSU at MCity Pitch Competition
2026-03-26 13:00 - 17:00 | MCITY Vicksburg, 1622 Washington St, Vicksburg, MS, 39180, United States
Join us at the DAWG Tank 2026 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.
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.

IDEA Institute
2026-03-25
Got a startup idea—or ready to take your business to scale? Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 IDEAinstitute cohort at The Idea Village.
IDEAinstitute is a 12-week hybrid accelerator for early-stage entrepreneurs ready to level up. Whether you’re refining a new concept or finally bringing that idea to life, this program gives you the structure, support, and startup fundamentals to launch with confidence.
What you’ll get:
✅ Weekly founder sessions & 1:1 coaching
✅ Tools and frameworks to launch a scalable venture
✅ Training in the Lean Startup Method
✅ A shot at Spring Pitch Night
✅ A community of founders, investors, and mentors
Alumni have gone on to raise funding, grow revenue, and join later-stage accelerators—starting with the foundation they built in IDEAinstitute.
Apply by March 25, 2026 by submitting a founder profile here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDjiG1_lG4CElu4TD9GZQUdHaK1ALQJ-f5ZAyO-OstpmKbgg/viewform?mc_cid=2d84e3e571&mc_eid=5e1a4a661f

Hattiesburg CONNECT
2026-03-19 16:30 - 18:30
Want to grow your business and connect with other entrepreneurs? Come network at our CONNECT event, a monthly informal gathering designed for startups and entrepreneurs in our 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 move your business forward.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this is your chance to exchange ideas, tackle challenges, and build relationships with people who understand the entrepreneurial journey.
Make connections, seek and give guidance, and strengthen the local startup community on Thursday, March 19th at 4:30 PM at Mahogany Bar in Hattiesburg, MS.
CONNECT is brought to you collaboratively by the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI) at USM, which offers hands-on support and technical expertise for inventors and businesses, and by Innovate Mississippi, the state’s driver for entrepreneurial growth.
RSVP HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/7f87d494-00bc-49c6-923d-d1f8079921bf

Canva Basics for Beginners
2026-03-19 13:00 - 15:00
A hands-on class that shows you how to design simple, eye-catching graphics using Canva. Create a flyer or social post from scratch and work on a design you’re proud to share. No experience needed—computers provided, or bring your own laptop
Register here: https://www.beanpath.org/event-details/canva-basics-for-beginners-day-class-1-3pm-10

FoundersPlus Spring Cohort – Now Accepting Applications
2026-03-11 18:00 - 19:00
Applications Open: Monday, February 23
Applications Close: Friday, March 6 at 8:00 AM
Program Kickoff: Wednesday, March 11 at 6:00 PM

FoundersPlus will meet each Wednesday virtually at 6:00 PM from March 11 through April 8 (five consecutive weeks).

This structured webinar series is designed to help early-stage founders gain clarity, traction, and momentum as they build and grow their ventures.
Application link: https://airtable.com/appA3cnVKTqDfNuMC/pagyxhbct4Xd2zuT9/form

3rd Coast Venture Summit
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-12
The Gulf South, known as the 3rd Coast, is an emerging center of venture activity where experienced talent and global-caliber resources fuel the next generation of high-growth companies.
Encompassing Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, the 3rd Coast is establishing itself alongside the East and West coasts as a credible, investable startup region.
3rd Coast Venture Summit convenes founders, investors, and corporate partners at the center of this momentum, creating a focused environment for connection, capital, and scale.
Learn more- https://3rdcoastventuresummit.com
