Innovate Mississippi is pleased to announce the launch of the new pilot program, FoundersPlus. The program aims to provide support and resources to Mississippi founders from impoverished communities, women founders, and founders of color who systematically lack access to capital.
The 2-year pilot program has received financial support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The structure of the FoundersPlus program is designed to be iterative in its curriculum approach so that Innovate Mississippi can provide tailored advice using its Startup Stages methodology.
The program will launch the week of April 3, 2023, with an Introductory session, followed by one session per week for six weeks. The program will conclude on the week of May 8, 2023, with a Pitch Development session. After the development session, if participants decide to apply to Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Startup Accelerator, launching August 15, 2023, each will be provided with an hour of pitch practice time with the Innovate Mississippi team to refine their presentation.
This year, participants will also have access to $30,000 in vouchers from partners for all stages of their startup. Vouchers will be distributed throughout the program to help founders with their expenses related to building a startup. The program aims to support founders in creating successful and sustainable businesses that can positively impact their communities.
“We are thrilled to launch the FoundersPlus program and provide resources and support to Mississippi founders who have historically lacked access to capital,” said Tony Jeff, president and CEO of Innovate Mississippi. “We believe that the program’s iterative approach, tailored advice, and best practices will help founders build successful and sustainable startups that can drive economic growth and create jobs in Mississippi.”
Founders who are interested in participating in the program can apply online at the Innovate Mississippi website. The application deadline is March 30, 2023. For more information about the FoundersPlus program, please visit innovate.ms/foundersplus/.
