Which Incubator is Best For a Startup Founder?
If you’re looking for a business incubator, there are a few different options in Mississippi. Some examples include the CoBuilders accelerator program, Grenada Enterprise Center, Natrion, and Opportunity Grows Cannabis Accelerator. Each of these programs has its own unique characteristics, so you’ll want to research them all carefully. But which one is best for your startup? Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of each option.
CoBuilders
If you are a startup founder in Mississippi and are looking for resources and support to grow your business, you might want to check out the CoBuilders SBDC incubator accelerator program. This program connects Mississippi’s startup founders with resources and networks to help them reach their full potential. Startups in Mississippi can join this program and receive support in seven priority sectors, including energy, transportation, healthcare, and housing.
This program is offered by the CoBuilders SBDC, a regional partnership convened by Innovate Mississippi and the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation. It is a 12-week accelerator for qualified startup founders. It is also home to the CTO-2-Go, a tech startup accelerator that helps founders with technology ideas and needs. Its sister program, Basecamp Coding Academy, is aimed at helping new entrepreneurs learn and apply the latest coding techniques.
The CoBuilders SBDC incubator will be open to all companies interested in applying. The program accepts ideas from any region of the state and a minimum of $7,000 will be awarded to each winner. The CoBuilders accelerator will provide ongoing support, as well as opportunities to raise early-stage capital. All companies interested in applying for the program should contact Tasha Bibb or the regional partner closest to their location.
Mississippi SBDCs offer training, workshops, and counseling at no cost. They also refer clients to other resources, such as the SBA or the Chamber of Commerce. Small businesses can take advantage of this free resource. There are nine Mississippi SBDCs, which are the best places to find resources for starting a business in the state. In addition to providing access to resources, the Small Business Development Center network also offers counseling services.
Grenada Enterprise Center
If you’re thinking of starting a business and need an incubator in Mississippi, you’ve come to the right place. The Grenada Enterprise Center SBDC incubator provides a thriving community for Mississippi entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. The program provides access to funding, markets, talent, and other resources to help entrepreneurs develop a business plan or pitch. With these programs, you can quickly learn the skills and knowledge you need to become a successful startup founder in Mississippi.
The Grenada Enterprise Center SBDC, which is a state-funded incubator in Mississippi, helps Mississippi startups expand and find investors. The center’s workshops focus on small business operations, networking, and more. In addition, a partnership-driven accelerator known as CoBuilders is available to help qualifying startup companies get off the ground. During this 12-week intensive program, founders learn about building their companies through networking and technical support. The Grenada Enterprise Center is also home to MoWork, a co-working space for entrepreneurs. The center has a technology-oriented group called MGC Tech Startup.
Another incubator accelerator in Mississippi is the JSU Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which uses NASA resources to encourage new business and industry development. The university offers a variety of entrepreneurship programs and access to university resources. Some universities specialize in specific sectors, such as high-tech polymer industries. While others are more general in nature, these facilities are ideal for startups with a high-growth potential.
There are a few factors to consider before applying to an accelerator. First, determine the stage of your company. Some programs are designed for founders who are too early, while others will be suitable for companies that have already raised venture capital. Secondly, determine the level of traction your product has. You may have a great idea but lack the experience to handle a large volume of customers and staff members.
Opportunity Grows Cannabis Accelerator
The Opportunity Grows Cannabis Accelerator is a four-week, remote learning series that gives startup founders an overview of the cannabis industry and business challenges. Participants will hear from top industry experts, learn about the Business Model Canvas and develop strategic plans. The program is sponsored by Koffman Incubator, one of the leading nonprofits for cannabis startups. It is free to attend. To learn more, visit opportunitygrows.com.
The program is aimed at creating business traction in the marijuana industry and provides access to investors and key figures in the entrepreneurial community. Graduates will present their businesses on Demo Day, where they can pitch to potential investors. Virtugro, for example, develops automated grow technology solutions for medium-to-large-scale cannabis cultivators. The company is run by two Mississippi natives, Mark Stratton and Ruton.
If you’re a startup founder in Mississippi, you can apply to this program. The program’s selection committee will assess your application and select the most promising startups. Once selected, you’ll work with Leaf Forward’s team and subject matter experts to prepare your business for funding. In return, you’ll receive a $35,000 investment. Additionally, the accelerator fund has received a $500,000 lead investment from Green Acre Capital.
Kanna is currently closing a seed round and preparing to target the legal marijuana market in Oklahoma. The company has nine farms under its belt and more than 100 qualified workers. So far, the company’s team has paid pilots with 102 qualified workers. The workers have earned more than $17,000. The company plans to add 65 more farms to its sales pipeline and hire up to 1,500 workers in Oklahoma.
Natrion
The Natrion SBDC incubator in Mississippi has helped many startups grow. With a total investment of $2 million, Natrion is positioned to help startup founders commercialize their technology. This investment includes seed money and angel investment from high-profile investors such as Mark Cuban of Shark Tank. Natrion is also working to establish prototype production capabilities for its businesses. A recent round of funding led by TechNexus Venture Collaborative included Tamarack Global, Illinois Ventures, and Mark Cuban. The program is managed by Binghamton University and is one of the largest incubators in the nation.
The Mississippi SBDC offers a variety of workshops that focus on the different aspects of running a small business. The Innovation Corps site at MSU is a NSF-funded organization that assists tech startups with bringing their ideas to market. The Innovation Corps site offers infrastructure, advice, and networking. Other resources in Mississippi include MoWork, a coworking space for startup founders in Biloxi. In addition, Everest has a Basecamp Coding Academy and a network of angel investors and mentors.
The Natrion SBDC incubator accelerator for startup founders in Mississippi offers more than physical space. These incubators provide access to markets, funding, and talent. They also provide special services and resources that help the startup founders develop business plans and pitch documents. The V-quad network of incubators focuses on entrepreneurship and helping the small business community grow. Its mission is to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in Mississippi and connect entrepreneurs with the resources they need to make their ideas a reality.
The Natrion SBDC is part of a network of state-funded startup accelerators. Each SBDC serves a specific region and offers assistance to local entrepreneurs. They provide free consulting and educational programs. The program also hosts a large network of mentors who are committed to helping new businesses grow. Most of these programs are free of charge and do not require any equity. However, they are not for everyone.