ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTERFOR
SOUTHERN MISS HATCHERY
YEAR IN PHOTOS
2024 by the Numbers
$20K AWARDED STUDENTS ENGAGED 607
46 ALUMNI ENGAGED
138 STARTUPS SERVED
29 EVENTS HOSTED
121 STARTUP CONSULTATIONS
ABOUT THE CENTER
The Center for Entrepreneurship at The University of Southern Mississippi has quickly grown from a simple idea to become the central hub for entrepreneurial activity on campus. The Center is more than just a university business incubator; it stands as a beacon of entrepreneurial spirit throughout Mississippi, preparing the next generation of trailblazers poised to make significant contributions locally and globally.
Since its inception, the Center has been a driving force behind student innovation and entrepreneurship. Campus and community engagement continue to reach new heights each year through an action-packed schedule of dynamic events and entrepreneurial experiences, including Golden Idea Pitch Competition, Hatchathon, Founders Society, CheckPoint, Coffee w/ an Entrepreneur, and the Southern Entrepreneurship Program (SEP) the statewide youth initiative where it all began.
Through strategic partnerships with industry leaders, the Center connects students with realworld experiences and opportunities within Mississippi's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our focus on experiential learning equips graduates with the skills and mindset to launch and lead successful ventures in any industry.
Vision Mission
Drivenbythepotentialinevery student,theCenterfor Entrepreneurshipprovidesan ecosystemofresources, mentorship,andexperiential learningtofosteracultureof innovationforall.
Toelevatethespiritof entrepreneurshipwithinthe SouthernMisscommunity, empoweringallstudentstocreate enduringeconomicandsocial value.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
All students at The University of Southern Mississippi are invited to participate in the Center for Entrepreneurship’s menu of programs and activities, including competitions, workshops, and mentoring.
Campuswide Participation
Colleges Represented
Majors & Disciplines
“I could not be more grateful for the Center and how much they have done for me and other fellow entrepreneurs and dream builders.”
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Tori Faith Jones Senior, Marketing Founders Society Member
“The Center for Entrepreneurship has been a saving grace for QUONVO.”
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Candace King
PhD Candidate, STEM Education Golden Idea Pitch Competition Winner
GOLDEN IDEA PITCH COMPETITION
Golden Idea represents an annual opportunity for Southern Miss students, providing support, mentorship, and funding to help launch big ideas!
Current Southern Miss students from all majors and all disciplines are eligible and encouraged to participate.
HATCHATHON
Hatchathon is a collaborative, week-long innovation event hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship, in partnership with VOXO, Inc. and the USM School of Computing Sciences and Computer Engineering.
Bringing together students, mentors, and industry leaders, Hatchathon challenges participants to solve real-world problems through a rigorous team based process.
CHECKPOINT
CheckPoint, a monthly pitch opportunity, is the initial phase of the Center’s Flightpath startup development program. It offers early-stage startups funding to validate their ideas through market and technical experiments.
Current Southern Miss students from all majors and all disciplines are eligible and encouraged to participate.
COFFEE ENTREPRENEUR W/ AN
The Center’s monthly guest speaker series, Coffee w/ an Entrepreneur, provides students with inspiration to dream big, innovate, expand their professional networks, and embark on their own entrepreneurial journeys.
Coffee events are open to the public and often draw crowds from across and off campus.
Students & Guests
BE A CHAMPION
Your generosity today helps shape Mississippi’s tomorrow. Give the gift of opportunity by supporting the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.
When you give to the Center for Entrepreneurship, your support stays here — building a stronger Mississippi and empowering our students to innovate within our communities.
