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Mississippi Polymer Institute Hosting Pitch Event for Entrepreneurs
By: Van Arnold
Mississippi-based entrepreneurs are encouraged to sign up for a unique opportunity to pitch their business initiatives as part of a special CoBuilders™ Partner event hosted by the Mississippi Polymer Institute (MPI). The pitch event is set for May 26, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. at The Accelerator, located in The University of Southern Mississippi’s Innovation and Commercialization Park.
Four cash prizes will be awarded during the event ($3,000 for 1st place; $2,000 for 2nd and $1,250 for 3rd and 4th), and a chance to qualify for CoBuilders™ – a 12-week business accelerator program through Innovate Mississippi, which provides mentorship, funding, and a chance to pitch to angel investors at the end of the cohort.
This will mark the second year MPI has hosted the CoBuilders™ qualifying pitch event. Caitlyne Shirley, MPI Business Development Manager, points out that events of this nature help elevate the Institute’s profile as an enabler of business innovation.
“As a research university, entrepreneurial development is vital to bringing the research and products developed at USM to the public,” said Shirley. “Not only is the Pitch Event a great conduit for USM activities, but it aligns perfectly with MPI’s mission to help foster the growth of technology and innovation-focused businesses within the state with the aim to bring higher-paying jobs to Mississippians.”
Shirley notes that last year’s inaugural event featured eight participants, with expectations for at least that many this year.
Innovate Mississippi explained that the seven CoBuilders™ Partners around the state provide an important business-fostering role with the Pitch Events, and company participation is a prerequisite to being selected into the CoBuilders™ Accelerator program. All companies participating in the Partners’ Pitch Events will be considered for the CoBuilders™ program, and ‘winning’ is not a requirement for selection. Qualifying companies will be contacted directly about enrolling in the 12-week business accelerator program.
The deadline to apply for the MPI pitch event is May 1. To sign up, visit: https://www.thepolymerinstitute.com/pitch-event
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