 Guiding Your Business. Growing Our Economy. A Message From Our State Director.  “Across Mississippi, opportunity is growing — and the Mississippi SBDC Network is here to help businesses make the most of it. Our team of dedicated counselors works every day to provide guidance, insight, and hands-on support that strengthens operations, sparks growth, and empowers entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. Leaders, partners, and small business owners alike can count on us as a trusted, engaged partner committed to helping businesses thrive and advancing economic growth across our state.” – Sharon Nichols, State Director, Mississippi SBDC Network View Our 2024 Impact Report Network Program Updates Updates and impact highlights from statewide programs such as the Digital Marketing Bootcamp, RISE Center initiatives, and other specialized trainings that strengthen Mississippi’s small business community.  NEW: Manufacturers Resource Hub (MRH) Landing Page Mississippi’s manufacturers have a new place to turn for support. The Mississippi SBDC Network has launched the Manufacturers Resource Hub (MRH), a centralized digital platform that brings together key state and federal resources designed to help manufacturers strengthen operations and pursue growth. The MRH offers a curated range of tools that connect manufacturers to the partners, programs, and information most relevant to their needs. This includes technical assistance resources, workforce and training programs, export and trade assistance, innovation and technology support, funding and cost-share opportunities, and industry-specific guidance from trusted state and federal organizations. Every resource was selected to provide practical value and help Mississippi manufacturers navigate challenges, explore new opportunities, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. Access The MRH  Support Small Business Research: Participate in the Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey The Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS) is now open, and the Mississippi SBDC Network is encouraging partners and small business owners across the state to participate. The survey collects essential data on business financing experiences, credit access, and overall financial conditions. Responses directly inform the Federal Reserve, federal agencies, policymakers, and economic development organizations— helping shape programs and policies that better support small businesses. Take The 12-Minute Survey  Accelerate Conference With Innovate Mississippi The Mississippi SBDC Network was thrilled to partner with Innovate Mississippi for this year’s Accelerate Conference, bringing together entrepreneurs, industry experts, and innovation leaders from across the state. The event featured dynamic speakers, startup showcases, and collaborative sessions focused on advancing Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Throughout the conference, our team connected with founders, shared resources, and highlighted the SBDC’s role in helping businesses innovate, scale, and access critical support. We’re grateful to Innovate Mississippi and all partners who helped make this event a success, and we look forward to continuing the momentum as we support Mississippi’s growing community of entrepreneurs. Learn More Mississippi SBDC Network Launches New Center at Alcorn State UniversityAlcorn State University is opening the region’s first SBDC as part of the Mississippi Small Business Development Center Network, serving nine southwestern counties including Adams, Amite, and Warren. The center will offer one-on-one business counseling, workshops on finance, marketing, legal topics, and focused support for rural business owners. The ribbon cutting occured on Nov. 19 on the Lorman campus of Alcorn State University. Read The Full Story  Veterans Small Business Month November is Veterans Small Business Month, and the Mississippi SBDC Network is honored to recognize the men and women who have served our nation and now serve their communities as entrepreneurs. Veteran-owned businesses play a vital role in Mississippi’s economy, bringing mission-driven leadership, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. Throughout the month, the Mississippi SBDC Network is highlighting resources, training, and one-on-one advising available to help veteran entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. We encourage veterans and military families across the state to connect with the Veteran Business Outreach Program to and explore the programs designed to support their small business goals. Learn About VBOC  Capitalize Conference Brings Lenders & Entrepreneurs TogetherThe Mississippi SBDC Network partnered with Hancock Whitney to host this year’s Capitalize conference, bringing small business owners, lenders, and financial professionals together for a full day of learning and connection. Entrepreneurs received guidance on preparing for capital access, strengthening financial documents, and understanding what lenders look for during the underwriting process. The event also featured panel discussions, one-on-one conversations with lending partners, and resources to help businesses secure funding for growth, expansion, and long-term stability. Photo Recap Creating Impact Data-driven results and success metrics showcasing how the Mississippi SBDC Network contributes to business growth, job creation, and statewide economic development.  RISE Center: Accelerating High-Growth Businesses In FY2025, growth-oriented clients supported by the RISE Center reported a combined $34,010,000 in sales growth, reflecting the Center’s expanding role in strengthening Mississippi’s innovation and expansion-focused businesses. Register Here Supporting Veteran Entrepreneurs In FY2025, the Mississippi SBDC Network served 5,955 veteran-owned businesses, providing the guidance, resources, and technical assistance needed to help veterans launch, grow, and sustain their businesses. SBA’s Veteran Resources  Digital Marketing Bootcamp: Building Stronger, Smarter Mississippi Businesses Powered in part by SBA’s Portable Assistance Grant, the Mississippi SBDC’s Digital Marketing Bootcamp continues to expand its reach—bringing high-impact digital training directly to communities across the state. This initiative is also part of a multi-state collaboration with the Georgia and Alabama SBDC networks, allowing the program to share best practices, coordinate resources, and deliver consistent, high-quality digital skills across the region. Bootcamp curriculum includes:· Branding and visual identity essentials· Website structure, SEO, and customer experience design· Social media strategy and content development· Analytics, audience insights, and performance optimization· 2025 AI tools for small business marketing Through hands-on instruction and personalized guidance, participants leave with clear, actionable strategies to strengthen their online presence and drive growth. The Portable Assistance Grant enables the SBDC to take this training statewide—partnering with chambers, economic development organizations, and community groups to make digital education accessible to all. This year’s outcomes reflect the program’s impact, with business owners reporting increased marketing confidence, stronger digital capability, and measurable improvements in visibility and customer engagement. The Digital Marketing Bootcamp remains one of the Network’s most in-demand resources, empowering Mississippi’s small businesses to stay competitive, innovative, and connected in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Learn More About DMB ConnectMS: Strengthening Mississippi’s Small Business Ecosystem ConnectMS, funded through the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Program and the Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP), continues to provide specialized one-on-one support to underserved founders, microbusinesses, and early-stage entrepreneurs. Through ConnectMS, our teams assist businesses with:· Credit readiness and loan packaging· Financial planning and forecasting· Business model development· Digital presence and marketing support· Lender engagement and capital navigation This work is helping entrepreneurs overcome barriers to capital and strengthening local economies across the state. Recent success stories from our SSBCI partners at Communities Unlimited highlight the impact of these efforts: · ProACT: Score Builder – Helping a Mississippi nonprofit strengthen financial systems and improve long-term sustainability.· Deitra L. Jackson Photography LLC – Supporting a creative entrepreneur as she expands her photography business.· Home-Field Advantage – Guiding a local business through operational improvements and growth planning. These stories showcase how ConnectMS advisors and SSBCI partners are empowering small businesses with the tools, confidence, and support they need to thrive. Learn More About SSBCI National Recognition Celebrating state and national awards, client achievements, and recognition that spotlight Mississippi’s small business success stories.  Mississippi SBDC Network State Director (Sharon Nichols) Welcomed As One Of America’s SBDC 2025-2026 Board of DirectorsA big congratulations to our very own State Director, Sharon Nichols, who has been welcomed to be a part of the America’s SBDC 2025-2026 Board of Directors! It is such an honor to have Sharon one of the eleven individuals on this board. We know that her expertise and years of experience will allow her to excel in this role. Congrats to you, Sharon! Read More Our 2025 State Star: Anthony (Tony) CambasWe were honored to recognize our 2025 Mississippi State Star, Anthony (Tony) Cambas at the 46th Annual America’s SBDC Training Event in Orlando. We are so thankful to have Tony, Statewide Manager of International Trade, on our team! View Tony’s LinkedIn  Global Recognition for a Mississippi Small Business:Leña Pizza + Bagles During Women’s Small Business Month, the Mississippi SBDC Network recognized client Marisol Doyle, owner of Leña Pizza + Bagels in Cleveland, Mississippi, who was named the 77th best pizza chef in the world by The Best Chef Awards (July 2025). This distinction reflects not only Marisol’s dedication to authentic Neapolitan cuisine, but also highlights how Mississippi entrepreneurs are achieving national and international recognition, demonstrating the strength and competitiveness of the state’s small business community. *Photo courtesy of lenapizzabagles.com* Read More Updates From The SBA   SBA Launches First-Ever Loan Program for American Manufacturers (Sept. 3, 2025): The SBA introduced its new MARC Loans program under 7(a), offering flexible working-capital financing to support U.S. manufacturing and onshoring. Drought Relief Available to Mississippi Small Businesses & Nonprofits: SBA announced low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses and nonprofits in Greene, George, Perry, and Wayne counties due to the December 2024 drought. Applications are due November 25, 2025. SBA Waives Upfront Fees for Small Manufacturers: (Effective FY2026): Beginning FY2026, SBA will waive most 7(a) upfront fees for small manufacturers (NAICS 31–33), expanding affordable capital alongside the new MARC loan program. National Small Business Week Awards Deadline (Mississippi District):The SBA Mississippi District Office is accepting nominations for national and local SBA awards. Submissions are due December 8, 2025, by 7:00 a.m. ET. SBA’s Website Thank You To Our Stakeholders! The Mississippi SBDC Network extends sincere appreciation to our stakeholders, partners, and collaborators whose continued support makes our mission possible. Your commitment to strengthening Mississippi’s small business community helps us guide entrepreneurs, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth across the state.   The Mississippi SBDC Network is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number #SSBCI-21031-0043 awarded to The University of Mississippi by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. |
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