[Jackson, Miss.] It’s on! Innovate Mississippi, along with 11-regional partners, announces the launch of the first-ever statewide startup accelerator, CoBuilders: A Partnership-Driven Accelerator powered by Microsoft TechSpark.
Startup founders across the state can register for startup pitch competitions in regions across Mississippi as part of the CoBuilders initiative. Right now, competitions are open for registration in Clarksdale, The Gulf Coast, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Oxford/Lafayette County, Starkville, and Vicksburg.
Winners from regional competitions will be invited to join the CoBuilders Accelerator and receive funding and support to help develop their startup idea.
“I know a lot of companies will be vying for the cash and assistance that this accelerator provides, but they have to start with an application through a regional partner – and those deadlines are approaching soon,“ said Tony Jeff, president & CEO of Innovate Mississippi. He continued, “Regional partners are an important part of this process and every company will receive value from day-one with local, hands-on support and mentorship.”
Microsoft TechSpark Manager J.J. Townsend said, “We’re honored to partner with Innovate Mississippi, as this collaboration will bring tools, access, and resources to our entrepreneurial ecosystem - generating value and stimulating innovation throughout the state of Mississippi.”
What is CoBuilders?
CoBuilders: A Partnership-Driven Accelerator, is organized by Innovate Mississippi and powered by Microsoft, and is supported by The Beanpath, Hinds Community College, Higher Purpose Co., Jackson State University, The Meeting Place, Mississippi Polymer Institute, Mississippi State University Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach, Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation, The Small Business Development Center, The University of Mississippi, and The University of Southern Mississippi.
Three startups from each regional event will be invited to enter the 21-startup statewide cohort and receive a minimum $7,000 grant and other prizes. After the cohort, founders will pitch their company during “Pitch Day” to an audience of investors, mentors and service providers – and will receive on-going support as well as opportunities for early-stage capital through the Mississippi Seed Fund, The Mississippi Angel Investor Network, and other capital resources.
Deadlines to register for a regional pitch competition are approaching so the time to apply is now! Go to www.cobuilders.ms/apply/ to submit your application.
Contact Tony Jeff at tjeff@innovate.ms or 601-960-3610 for more details or visit us at www.cobuilders.ms.
Want to get involved as a mentor or sponsor?
We need your help to make this statewide initiative a success! If you’re a professional in finance, product, marketing or other startup processes, please reach out to Tasha Bibb at tbibb@innovate.ms to discuss being a mentor in the program.
We would like to thank Microsoft for their generous support of this statewide initiative, and for becoming our title sponsor. If you’d like to join CoBuilders as a sponsor, we’d love to hear from you. Contact Janet Parker atjparker@innovate.ms to discuss it.
Innovate Mississippi is a nonprofit organization with the mission to drive innovation and technology-based economic development for the State of Mississippi. Visit www.innovate.ms to learn more.
