Starting or growing a small business in Mississippi takes determination, creativity, and financial support. Whether you're launching a new idea or expanding your current operations, grants can provide essential funding without the burden of repayment. While securing Mississippi small business grants isn’t always easy, the state offers several programs that help business owners access resources, mentorship, and capital.
Whether you’re seeking minority small business grants in Mississippi, funding for expansions, grants for start-ups, or other needs, this guide walks through the top grant opportunities in the Magnolia State, how to apply, who qualifies, and where to find additional support.
State-Funded Grant Programs in Mississippi
Small business grants in Mississippi support growth and development through various agencies and funding initiatives. These are some of the most well-known grant programs in the state:
Mississippi Development Authority (MDA)
The Mississippi Development Authority is the state’s lead economic agency. While it focuses mainly on attracting large businesses, MDA also runs programs that assist small business owners.
One key program is the Mississippi Small Business Assistance Program, which provides funding to local financial institutions and nonprofits. These groups then offer loans and technical help to small businesses. Although not a direct grant, this program can include forgivable loans or grants when paired with specific goals, such as job creation or working in underserved areas.
Minority and Women-Owned Business Certification
Small business grants for women in Mississippi are available for business owners who are certified women-owned in the state. The same holds true for certified minority-owned businesses. If you meet these conditions, you may qualify for special opportunities, including grants tied to supplier diversity initiatives. Certification through the state can open the door to both public and private sector funding sources.
Local Grant Opportunities Across Mississippi
Several counties and cities in Mississippi offer their own business grant programs, especially in areas looking to revitalize downtown districts or support disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
Jackson Small Business Resilience Grants
The city of Jackson has periodically offered grants to help businesses recover from economic hardship. These programs are typically designed to help small businesses remain open, rehire staff, or adapt their business model.
Gulfport Economic Development Grants
Gulfport’s Department of Urban Development sometimes offers grants to businesses located within its downtown or Opportunity Zones. These grants are meant to attract new jobs, improve building facades, and increase tourism traffic.
Federal Grant Options for Mississippi Entrepreneurs
Sometimes, Mississippi grants for small business owners aren’t an option. Fortunately, Mississippi business owners also have access to national funding through federal programs and competitive grant opportunities.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program
If your business is focused on research and development, the SBIR program offers funding to help small businesses develop technology for federal agencies. If your business is in science, agriculture, education, or energy, the SBIR might be a good option if you’re seeking small business start up grants in Mississippi.
USDA Rural Business Development Grants
Much of Mississippi is considered rural, which opens the door to grant funding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA provides Rural Business Development Grants to support businesses in eligible areas. These can be used for training, equipment, feasibility studies, and more.
How to Qualify for Mississippi Small Business Grants
Now that we’ve covered where to look for grant funding, let’s talk about how to get a small business grant in Mississippi. Grant regulations vary according to the funding entity, but most have a few common eligibility requirements, such as:
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Your business must be legally registered and based in Mississippi.
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You must meet the size standards, which usually means fewer than 500 employees.
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Some grants require that you serve a certain community or industry, such as agriculture, technology, or disadvantaged populations.
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You may need to show a business plan, proof of expenses, or match funds.
Meeting these criteria does not guarantee funding, but it’s an essential starting point in securing any number of Mississippi small business grants.
Tips for Applying Successfully
To improve your chances of winning a grant, follow these steps:
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Read the guidelines carefully and make sure you’re eligible before applying.
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Keep your documents organized, including your tax ID, business license, bank records, and budget projections.
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Tell a compelling story in your application—explain how the grant will help your business grow and support your community.
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Meet every deadline and submit all required paperwork.
If you need help, many local organizations like SCORE, SBDCs, and community colleges offer free assistance with applications.
Additional Resources for Mississippi Businesses
Even if you don’t win a grant, many other resources are available:
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Mississippi Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): Offers one-on-one coaching, workshops, and help with funding.
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Innovate Mississippi: Provides programs for startups and tech companies.
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Mississippi Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP): Helps businesses get government contracts.
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Fast Break for Small Businesses: The Fast Break grant for Small Businesses Initiative is a joint effort by LegalZoom, the NBA, WNBA, and NBA G League, offering $3 million in grants and business resources.
These services can guide you toward other types of funding or make your business more competitive for future grant cycles.
Final Thoughts on Mississippi Small Business Grants
Mississippi small business grants can be a powerful way to fund your growth, invest in new ideas, or recover from financial hardship. While competition can be tough, taking the time to understand your options and prepare your application will give you an edge. Start local, explore state and federal programs, and take advantage of every resource available to support your success.
