Best Small Business Resources in the Gulfport Area
Starting a business is a life-changing experience. Mississippi has dozens of great resources to help entrepreneurs get started. Our team researched and vetted organizations in the Gulfport area and compiled our list of recommended resources in this article.
You can also read our guide to starting a business in Mississippi.
Resources Available in your Area
Mississippi Development Authority
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The Entrepreneur Center at Mississippi Development Authority offers information, referrals, guidance, and other assistance to new and early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs to plan, start, finance, market, operate, and grow businesses based in Mississippi.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
Gulfport SCORE
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
The Innovation Center
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The Innovation Center is a facility that offers classes, a coworking program, and support to answer questions submitted via phone call, email, or in person. For those who decide that renting the Innovation Center's office space isn't a viable option, there is also a virtual tenant program where you can gain many of the same benefits without paying for a physical presence.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth
CONTACT INFORMATION:
1636 Popps Ferry Road, Suite 100
Biloxi, MS 39532
228-392-9741
HOURS OF OPERATION:
MON - FRI: 8 am - 5 pm
University of Mississippi-Gulf Coast SBDC
Here are the Principle Service Areas:
Offers Free Service
Description
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Works with Companies in These Stages:
Idea
Planning
Startup
Growth