Mississippi State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach is gearing up for an exciting event on April 12th – the grand opening of its E-Center expansion. The event will feature keynote speakers from the renowned U.S. brand Barefoot Wine, making it a must-attend for aspiring entrepreneurs and business enthusiasts alike.
The grand opening event is free and open to the public, providing a unique opportunity for individuals to learn from industry leaders and network with like-minded individuals. It will take place from 1-5 p.m. in McCool Hall’s Leo Seal Jr. Family Business Atrium, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for all attendees.
One of the highlights of the event is the annual MSU Startup Summit, which gives MSU students and Mississippi residents the chance to pitch their business ideas and compete for cash prizes. With eight categories for MSU students and one category for all Mississippi residents, the Startup Summit offers a platform for budding entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and potentially secure funding to kickstart their ventures.
The event will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of the newly expanded 4,000-square-foot E-Center. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to support students, faculty, and community members in launching and growing their businesses, providing resources and guidance to help them succeed in the competitive business landscape.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear from keynote speakers Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, the founders of Barefoot Wine. With a successful track record in building one of the top wine brands in the U.S., the duo will share their insights and experiences in entrepreneurship, offering valuable lessons for aspiring business owners.
The event will culminate in the Startup Summit’s BankTEL Grand Finale Competition, where the winners of the five main divisions will compete for a grand prize of $7,000. This exciting competition will showcase the innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit of the participants, highlighting the talent and creativity within the MSU community.
As the event draws to a close, attendees will come together for a closing reception and awards ceremony, celebrating the entrepreneurial achievements of MSU students and the vibrant startup ecosystem at the university. The event promises to be a memorable and inspiring experience for all those in attendance.
For more information on the Center for Entrepreneurship and Outreach and MSU’s College of Business, interested individuals can visit their respective websites. Mississippi State University is committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, providing valuable resources and support to help individuals turn their business ideas into reality. Don’t miss out on this exciting event – mark your calendars for April 12th and join in the celebration of entrepreneurship at Mississippi State University.
