Innovate Mississippi

Mississippi Health Innovation Conference 2026
2026-02-02 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | MS
The Mississippi Health Innovation Conference is a collaboration between the School of Business Administration at the University of Mississippi and some of the most renowned physicians, innovators, educators, investors, payers, providers, and policymakers who are leading the future of healthcare in the US.
Register here: www.mshic.org

MEDC 2026 Legislative Reception
2026-02-05 17:00 - 19:00 | Fertile Ground Beer Co., 800 Manship St Suite 101, Jackson, MS, 39202
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
800 Manship Street, Jackson, MS 39202

Cost: Free to attend – registration required. Register here: https://medcms.memberzone.com/events/details/medc-2026-legislative-reception-1201

MPI Sustainability Challenge
2026-02-23 - 2026-03-06 | MS
Help tackle hard-to-recycle plastics, including polystyrene, PVC, PET, films, and plastic bags. Choose your track. Create a scalable and market-ready solution in the Innovation Track, or turn plastic waste into powerful artwork in the Art Track. This challenge is your chance to rethink plastic, reduce landfill impact, and show how creativity and innovation can drive sustainability.
Location: Mississippi Polymer Institute, 46 Shelby Thames Dr, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Date and time: Feb 23, 3:00 PM – Mar 6, 3:00 PM
Register Here

Mastering Your Books: Essential Accounting for Mississippi Small Businesses
2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 | MS
Empower your Mississippi-based business with foundational financial skills in this interactive webinar from ConnectMS, a partnership between the Mississippi SBDC Network and InnovateMS. Discover the critical difference between bookkeeping and accounting, explore key reports like Profit & Loss, Cash Flow, and Balance Sheets, and learn practical strategies to avoid cash pitfalls, make informed decisions, and prepare for growth. Ideal for entrepreneurs aiming to boost financial literacy and readiness—join us to turn your numbers into success!
Tuesday February 24th 12-1pm CST
Register here: https://startupspace.app/v2/dynamic-survey/view/402/10600

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2026-03-05 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-04-02 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-05-07 16:30 - 18:30, 2026-06-04 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!
Register here
Fertile Ground:
800 Manship Street #Suite 101 Jackson, MS 39202

3rd Coast Venture Summit
2026-03-10 - 2026-03-12 | MS
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

FoundersPlus Spring Cohort – Now Accepting Applications
2026-03-11 18:00 - 19:00 | MS
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

Canva Basics for Beginners
2026-03-19 13:00 - 15:00 | MS
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

Hattiesburg CONNECT
2026-03-19 16:30 - 18:30 | MS
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

IDEA Institute
2026-03-25 | MS
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

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.

Financing to Fit your Business
2026-03-31 12:00 - 13:00 | MS
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.

MSBDCN event - Get Expert Help on Your Business Plan Today
2026-04-01 08:00 - 17:00 | MS
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

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/

Get Expert Help on Your Business Plan Today!
2026-04-23 08:00 - 17:00 | MS
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

A Small Business Owner's Basic Guide to Cashflow
2026-04-28 13:30 - 14:30 | MS
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/

A Small Business Owner's Basic Guide to Cash Flow
2026-04-28 13:30 - 14:30 | MS
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

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.

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.

2026 America's Seed Fund Week
2026-05-12 - 2026-05-14 | MS
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

Gulf Blue Innovation Week
2026-05-19 - 2026-05-21 | MS
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/

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.

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

Entity Selection for Startups and Small Businesses
2026-05-26 12:00 - 13:00 | MS
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

Bean Path AI Month
2026-06-03 - 2026-06-26 | MS
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

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

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.
