Opportunity Machine - D.I.Y. Marketing Series: For the entrepreneur who does it all
2021-08-25 11:30 - 12:45 (America/Chicago) | 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
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 >>

CONNECT
2021-10-07 16:30 - 18:30 | 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.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 2022-07-07 16:30 - 18:30, 2022-08-04 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!

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2022-06-02 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. This month is at Fertile Ground Beer Co., 800 Manship St Suite 101, 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!

Deadline for V-Quad Entrepreneurs Technical Assistance Program (ETAP) Grant Applications
2022-06-30
The Mississippi Development Authority currently is accepting applications for the V-Quad Entrepreneurs Technical Assistance Program (ETAP) grants.
Teams are eligible for a maximum award of $25,000 each in the form of a voucher that may be used to receive technical assistance from a research university in Mississippi. MDA will award a total of $100,000 in the ETAP, which is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy – State Energy Program. Teams receiving an ETAP grant will be paired with a relevant research university to solve specific technical challenges posed by the applicants. Teams will have up to nine months from the award date to complete their proposed tasks.
The competition is open to teams of high school and college students, university or community college faculty, for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, public-sector employees or any combination of individuals from these entities.
Examples of eligible projects include the use of clean energy and energy-efficient products and services, agricultural products and services, as well as robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, unmanned aerial and terrestrial vehicles and genomics applied within the energy and agriculture sectors.
The deadline to apply for a grant is Thursday, June 30, 2022.
Application instructions and guides:

View detailed application instructions
Examples of resources available through V-Quad partners

V-quad’s mission is to build an innovative, virtual incubator network to support Mississippi entrepreneurs and innovators launching businesses focused on energy- and agriculture-related technologies.
The program helps new technology companies seeking to commercialize energy and agriculture-related technologies find technical assistance and financial networks with a specific focus in these areas. V-Quad’s goal is to form public-private partnerships that connect Mississippi’s research universities, industry, government and non-profits that strengthen the state’s technology development entrepreneurial ecosystem.

CoBuilders Startup "Pitch Day"
2022-07-28 | Fertile Ground Beer Co., 800 Manship St Suite 101, Jackson, MS, 39202
Join us on July 28 to hear pitches from the 21-companies who were part of the inaugural cohort for CoBuilders, a partnership-driven statewide startup accelerator. Founders from all corners of the State will pitch to angel investors and is open to the public at the culmination of the 12-week intensive development program.
CoBuilders, powered by Microsoft, is a partnership between Innovate Mississippi, Mississippi State University, Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation/The University of Mississippi, Higher Purpose Co, Jackson State University/The Beanpath, The Mississippi Polymer Institute at University of Southern Mississippi, The Small Business Develoment Center/Hinds Community College (Vicksburg) and The Meeting Place (MS Gulf Coast).
Fertile Ground Beer Co.
800 Manship Street, Jackson, MS
Parking behind the building
https://fertilegroundbeer.com/

ELEVATE Mississippi
2022-08-12
ELEVATE Mississippi will support Mississippi residents who are small business owners in need of technical assistance to enhance their business operations. Priority will be given to Black-owned, LatinX-owned and Native American/Indigenous-owned businesses in the soft and hard consumer goods industry, service providers, and culinary sectors.
Eligible participants must be an established business supported by documented evidence that includes proof of sales and/or an established proof of concept.

Types of Businesses:

Retail
Ecommerce
Social Impact
Nonprofits
Service-Based Businesses (salons, barbers, etc)
Restaurants
Healthcare

The program provides resources, tools, mentorship, training, wellness support, and connects an ecosystem of entrepreneurs to thriving community partners who are dedicated to the growth of solopreneurs and microbusinesses. ELEVATE moves businesses from aspiration to application to the achievement of growing from sole operators to a thriving business with multiple employees.

Apply now. Application Closes: August 12, 2022
https://ascend100.typeform.com/to/FtAKWEKI?typeform-source=www.google.com

ELEVATE Mississippi is supported through the partnership of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Mississippi Health Innovation Conference
2022-08-16 08:00 - 19:00 | Nelson Student Center
The MS Health Innovation Conference (MSHIC) is a collaboration between the University of Mississippi School of Business Administration and the University of Mississippi Medical Center with the goal of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare within the State of Mississippi and the US.
The MSHIC is a collection of some of the most renowned innovators, educators, investors, payers, providers, and policymakers who are leading the future of healthcare in the US.
Registration for the Mississippi Health Innovation Conference includes:
Entry to the conference
Light Breakfast and Lunch
Evening reception
Regular registration is $300 and $75 for students.
Register below:
http://mshic.org/attend/register/

CollabSouth Conference
2022-08-26 08:30 - 17:00 | The Country Club of Jackson
The Southern Business Institute is excited to bring CollabSouth to Mississippi on August 26, 2022, at The Country Club of Jackson. A one-day event open to the Mississippi business community.
The event will bring together businesses, business owners, and business resources to collaborate and share valuable information. Come listen to other business owners share about how they have met the challenges of business ownership in Mississippi and explore the resources available to Mississippi businesses. Throughout the day, ask questions of the experts, meet and talk to others who may be able to provide you the resources you need and get practical information for your day-to-day business.
Register below:
https://form.jotform.com/221456324121141

CONNECT: Networking for Entrepreneurs
2022-09-08 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 and will be held at the Fertile Ground, 800 Manship St., Jackson, MS.
Please RSVP. We hope to see you there!
