Entrepreneurship Forum to Connect, Inspire Prospective Business Owners

The forum gathers aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs for two days of learning and networking. The forum is slated for April 3-4 at Embassy Suites in Ridgeland. Registration is open.

"Comprising over 99% of all business in the state, small businesses are clearly the backbone of Mississippi's economy," Secretary of State Michael Watson said. "Opportunities like the Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum and the Secretary of State's Welcome to Business Webinars are imperative to providing support for our entrepreneurs.

"Through continued partnerships and collaboration, our communities and state will prosper."

The event is organized by the University of Mississippi's Grisham-McLean Institute for Public Service and Community Engagement through its Catalyzing Entrepreneurship and Economic Development, or CEED, initiative, with support from a committee representing all Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning schools and key statewide organizations.

Taeisha Rodgers, an Ole Miss alumna and owner of Rodgers Wellness, helped organize the forum in her first year of graduate school in 2016. Before becoming a CEED scholar, Rodgers said she had no interest in starting her own business.

"When I got involved with CEED, it sparked an entrepreneurial mindset that has fueled my career," she said. "All of the knowledge from the forum has been helpful in some way.

"Learning about business across the state and networking with other business owners really inspired me."

As the owner of her own counseling business, Rodgers said she continues to use lessons she learned through her work with CEED and the entrepreneurship forum.

"Small businesses create community, and they give back to their community," she said. "Small businesses hire local and buy local, and they care about their neighborhoods. They sponsor events and give to charities, and all of that contributes to the quality of life in that area.

"I truly believe small businesses are the backbone of local economies."

For small business owners who may be interested in attending the forum, Rodgers advises them to capitalize on the opportunity it provides.

"I would say network, network and network," she said. "This forum is a gold mine for connecting business owners and partners and even investors.

"Be open to new ideas and offer your own insights. Take advantage of this opportunity."

Inspiring prospective business owners like Rodgers and connecting them to resources is the goal of the forum, said J.R. Love, assistant director of economic development at the university's Insight Park.

"For the last 10 years, the Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum has helped cultivate innovation, small business growth and economic development across the state," he said. "If you're an aspiring entrepreneur or small business owner in Mississippi, this forum is for you.

"The forum is an opportunity to learn from successful Mississippians, connect with essential resources and gain the insights needed to turn your ideas into a thriving business."

For a full list of speakers and events, see the Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum website or contact Love at jrlove@olemiss.edu.

Top: Small business owners and entrepreneurs from across the state will gather next month at the 10th annual Mississippi Entrepreneurship Forum in Ridgeland. The annual event provides networking opportunities, resources and lectures in creating and maintaining a business in the state. Submitted photo