Free Workshop at Mississippi College Geared Toward Entrepreneurs

Business leaders and students shared insights at the J.L. Holloway Entrepreneurship Center in the Mississippi College School of Business.

Only a select few budding entrepreneurs get the chance to share their business ideas before millions of TV viewers on ABC’s popular “Shark Tank” show.

But there will be plenty of opportunities for people wishing to learn valuable tips for start-up businesses at a Mississippi College workshop. The free event is set for April 6 on the Clinton campus. The program begins at 8 a.m. this Saturday and wraps up at 2:30 p.m. with lunch provided.

“If you’ve ever wanted to make your business start-up dreams come true, this is a great opportunity to begin the process,” says John Brandon, MC’s director of entrepreneurial development. “During the day, we will explore all facets of small business development and growth. You will leave with information you need to get started.”

Workshop sponsors are the J.L. Holloway Center for Entrepreneurship in the MC School of Business, the Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Clinton.

Main Street Clinton leaders are excited to play a role. Getting involved in the program, said director Tara Lytal, will help “equip potential entrepreneurs with the tools they need to start and operate a successful small business.”

T.J. McSparrin, executive director of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, notes that small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. Reports show small businesses represent 97 percent of all employers in Mississippi and Clinton. “We want to help them get started and continue to grow their business through this workshop.”

Hosting the workshop at their site is the J.L. Holloway Center for Entrepreneurship. The innovative classroom is located in the basement of Self Hall, headquarters for the MC School of Business.

Following a welcome by Clinton Mayor Phil Fisher, Lytal and McSparrin, there will be a series of speakers featured.

The lineup includes: Doug Murphy, MC Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Mississippi Development Authority director Joe Donovan, “Clinton Courier” publisher/editor Clay Mansell and Rhonda Fisher of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

John Brandon, accounting professor Billy Morehead, and instructor David Parker of the MC Law School are also slated to give talks. State Farm Insurance owner Tim Bruss and Renasant Bank vice president George Broadstreet will offer their insights as well.

Topics covered include legal aspects of starting a business, marketing, social media, insurance and financial issues.

For more information, contact the Clinton Chamber of Commerce at 601-924-5912 or Clinton Main Street at 601-924-5472. John Brandon can be reached at Brando00@mc.edu or 601-925-7775.