Entrepreneurship
Innovation, risk-taking, and the generation of economic value lie at the heart of economic advancement. In Vicksburg, there is a profound acknowledgment that fostering the ideal conditions for entrepreneurship is crucial to unlocking the innovative potential of our community. The entrepreneurship ecosystem in Vicksburg encompasses fundamental support systems that cater to the diverse needs of entrepreneurs, ranging from small-scale business owners to technology ventures pursuing tech transfer opportunities and series funding.
Vicksburg Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
The Entrepreneur Bootcamp is a focused 6-course program designed to support business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by covering key topics including market research, financial planning, business setup, and marketing. Participants conclude the program by presenting their business plans, aimed at securing funding for starting or growing their small businesses.
Mississippi State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach
The Center, commonly known as the MSU E-Center empowers entrepreneurs from K-12 to college students to graduates by providing a one-stop solution to launch a new company or help grow an existing one based on new ideas or MSU invented technology. It serves as a link to build relationships with peers and successful entrepreneurs and as a learning center to master the art of assessing markets and operating a business. Entrepreneurs are supported by the center’s broad involvement of alumni and experienced entrepreneurs who help mentor, coach, and invest in their startups.
ERDCWERX & TECH TRANSFER @ MCITy
ERDCWERX is an innovation hub of DEFENSEWERX which was created to help identify new partnerships for innovation and commercialization by providing a streamlined path to collaboration and contracting with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Various events, tech challenges, and other opportunities help innovators propose solutions with the potential to create new businesses opportunities and industries.
The Mississippi Center for Innovation & Technology, MCITy
MCITy serves as an entrepreneurial hub designed to foster collaboration and innovation through experimental, computational, and interactive workspaces. It encourages teams to test market-ready business ideas. The center facilitates technology transfer, enabling Mississippi businesses to engage with federal and local programs to develop technology and business concepts. Key partners include the Vicksburg-Warren Economic Development Partnership, MSU E-Center, ERDCWERX, Hinds Community College, and other collaborators.