Economic Development
Mississippi communities have unique histories and personalities, and they have diverse assets that can be leveraged for business development and economic prosperity. As globalization continues to influence the business world and more people buy and sell products online, communities can expand beyond the traditional borders of location to develop new opportunities and attract new clients. Community economic development, when implemented correctly, can help communities remain competitive and adapt to the constantly changing world.
Publications
News
Volunteers, employees and board members of the tourism sector or related organizations can get training and build networks with other tourism professionals in the Excellence in Tourism Leadership Program.
Entrepreneurs can get the resources and training needed to launch a small business in 30 days in an upcoming series of online courses.
StartUp Mississippi participants will learn how to create a small business plan, conduct a market analysis, promote their business on social media, gain necessary resources for establishing a business, and create and maintain a webpage.
John J. Green is bringing a career immersed in Southern sociology and community development to his new position as director of the Southern Rural Development Center headquartered at Mississippi State University.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- With the right resources and partnerships, now is not too late for aspiring entrepreneurs to StartUp their small businesses in 2020.
StartUp is a series of online courses designed to provide the education and training needed to start a business in 30 days. To access the free virtual sessions, participants need about three hours a week and a smartphone, tablet or computer. Faculty and staff with Mississippi State University Extension will host the seminars beginning Nov. 30.
Success Stories
Corey Proctor describes New Augusta as a small town with a big heart.
He would know as well as anyone. He has called the seat of Perry County home for most of his adult life and was elected to serve on its board of aldermen in 2021.
Vaunita Martin cares so much about the rural county where she attended Itawamba Community College that she’s made a career out of making it an even better place.
Assessing and Adjusting
MSU Extension prepares 4-H HomeGrown Scholarship campaign
Even before the first crop in the Belzoni Community Garden was planted in 2019, Clifton Williams and Chandra Hines had devoted countless hours toward keeping the town both beautiful and fed as part of Keep Belzoni Beautiful.
Extension helps town secure grant funding to land local grocery
From 2017 to 2021, living in Quitman County meant driving nearly an hour to Batesville and back to buy groceries.
