Reimagining Main Street

New business starts by clients in opportunity zones through MELP ( Mississippi Entrepreneurial Launch Pad )

The Mississippi SBDC opened a new center in partnership with CompuRecyling Center, Inc. to assist the historically underserved populations of the greater MS Delta area with their small business needs. The grand opening held this summer was well attended by state and local leaders.

Small Business Owners participated in Small Business Matters workshops, presented by the Mississippi SBDC and sponsored by Hancock Whitney

Beck's Confections of Gulfport, MS, and Red Laser Technology of Jackson, MS were awarded Export Achievement Awards at the Building Bridges to Global Markets Event In Jackson, MS. The two companies were presented the awards from Arun Venkataraman, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service.

Picture This Selfie Studio, located in Vicksburg, MS, is owned by Larry Walker Jr.  The studio features a variety of backgrounds and props for people to come and make their own videos and photos. More than just a studio, it serves as a hub for Vicksburg area artists, especially young creatives, to explore their art and connect with other like-minded people. Larry is focused on providing space for his community to come together through art.

Mississippi SBDC Technology Commercialization client Paul Scovazzo received a $5,000 development grant from Mississippi Development Authority during a ‘Pitch in the V-Quad’ competition. The apparatus features a new method and design for improved removal of water vapor from the air that results in overall energy savings to an AC system, as removing water vapor from the air is a significant factor in how much energy it takes to keep a home or business cool and dry. The vacuum sweep dehumidification system was issued a U.S. patent earlier this year. The system has an expected energy savings of up to 86%.

Business owners were contacted and offered assistance and support in the wake of the Jackson, MS Water Crisis

Sergeant 1st Class Nelson Haskin, Jr. was named the 2022 Veteran of the Year by the City of Hattiesburg's Veterans Committee. He is the owner of six local Hattiesburg eateries. Even though he is busy with his restaurants and family, he also unselfishly also makes time to provide valuable insight, business advice, and mentorship to other entrepreneurs in Hattiesburg, especially other veterans.

Mississippi SBDC client Lisa Cochran won the SBA Women's Business Champion Award in 2022. The owner of two busy salons in south Mississippi, recently sold one to concentrate on the non-profit she founded, Dwell, that helps women navigate reentry into life from a domestic abuse situation and women in recovery from addiction. “Advice I could give to any owners is you need to have philanthropy as part of your business,” Cochran said. “This generation works for money but also works for time off and a purpose. Our employees know we are about serving women, lifting people up. They want to be involved in the bigger purpose.”

The Mississippi SBDC collaborated with the city of Ruleville, MS to bring a "Small Business Town Hall" to its citizens and the surrounding communities. The attendees learned about Business Planning, Capital / Loan Access, Financial Literacy, and Business Start-Ups. The event brought much needed resources to the historically underserved residents of the greater Mississippi Delta.