About 30 representatives from business, government and nonprofits gathered at the first Jackson Business Developers Roundtable at Jackson State University earlier this year to discuss rejuvenating the capital’s business climate. Topics ranged from increasing nonprofits’ involvement with business development to promoting local businesses. The Vision 2022 Business Development Plan for the city of Jackson also was discussed.
Jackson State University’s Department of Entrepreneurship and Professional Development, chaired by Dr. Mary M. White, interim vice president for Institutional Advancement, and the Mississippi Development Authority’s Entrepreneur Center hosted the event. Michael Harris, associate manager of the MDA’s Entrepreneur Center, served as moderator.
Panelists included Teresa Cheeks-Wi lson, Federal Reserve Bank of Memphis; John Brandon, bureau manager of the Entrepreneur Center @ Mississippi Development Authority; Janita Stewart, Mississippi district director of the U.S. Small Business Administration; and Willie Jones, president and CEO of Dependable Source Corp. of Jackson.
Organizations represented included: Mississippi Department of Education; LABA/Link Latin- America Business Association; BankPlus; Mississippi e-Center@ JSU; 1 Million Cups – Jackson; Innovate Mississippi; WeBase Management Solutions, LLC; Jackson Chamber of Commerce; Venture Incubator; City of Jackson Business Development; Millsaps Else School of Management; Hinds County Economic Development Authority; Mayor’s Office, city of Jackson; JSU Community Engagement; Mississippi Development Authority Minority and Small Business Development; JSU Center for Business Development and Economic Research; and Women for Progress of Mississippi. ONEJSU