Mississippi State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach is expanding its support for aspiring entrepreneurs with a grant from the Regions Foundation. The funding will bolster two accelerator programs, the MSU VentureCatalyst in Starkville and the Million Dollar Checklist in Vicksburg, while also powering the university’s Startup Summit, a flagship event connecting students, innovators, and entrepreneurs with mentors and investors.
The MSU VentureCatalyst program offers students and faculty mentorship, workshops, structured development tools, and up to $7,500 in funding to help move early-stage ideas toward investor-ready ventures. The Million Dollar Checklist Accelerator provides regional entrepreneurs a collaborative space to share progress, challenges, and lessons while receiving feedback from peers and mentors.
Startup Summit serves as a platform for pitching business ideas through competitions including the Mississippi Made Competition, the nationwide Bulldog Business Competition, and the Mississippi High School Pitch Competition, distributing over $100,000 in annual prizes. This year, the Regions Foundation is sponsoring two $10,000 Innovation Prizes to support student and regional startup teams.
University leaders emphasize that the grant strengthens both student learning and the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem in Mississippi. The programs provide practical experience for students, foster local innovation, and create pathways for economic growth while showcasing Starkville as a hub for entrepreneurship.
By supporting mentorship, accelerator programs, and entrepreneurial events, the initiative aims to develop investor-ready businesses, build local economic capacity, and engage the broader community in fostering innovation. The partnership between Mississippi State and the Regions Foundation underscores a commitment to cultivating entrepreneurship across the state.
