Small Business Grants in Mississippi
Mississippi offers more than 10 active grant, loan, and incentive programs for small businesses, primarily administered by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) and Innovate Mississippi.
In This Article
Which Mississippi grants fit your business?
Answer 7 quick questions and we sort the 13 programs on this page into likely fits and long shots. Nothing personal is asked or stored, and final eligibility is always decided by the granting agency.
Mississippi Small Business Grant Programs
State-administered funding programs available to Mississippi small businesses. Verify deadlines directly with the granting agency before applying.
InvestMS Direct Investment Program for Startups
Innovate Mississippi / MDA
$50,000-$1,000,000 (1:1 match)
RollingProvides equity co-investments to Mississippi-based Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A startups. Funded through a $11 million SSBCI allocation, the program matches private investor capital on a 1:1 basis, with larger deals eligible for up to $3 million with a $1 million SSBCI match.
Status check, Program accepts applications on a rolling basis with no fixed deadline. Page states they are always on the lookout for new applications and review them regularly.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
Mississippi Industrial Energy Efficiency Program (MIEEP)
Mississippi Development Authority
$15,000-$50,000
Deadline Jul 14, 2023Provides matching grants of up to 50% of total project costs to for-profit manufacturers in Mississippi for energy efficiency upgrades. Eligible projects include lighting, HVAC, water heating, and energy systems improvements.
Status check, The last MIEEP application round closed July 14, 2023 at 5 p.m. CDT. No subsequent funding round or new FOA has been announced. The program is not currently accepting applications but has not been formally discontinued.
Last verified, Jul 9, 2026
ConnectMS Technical Assistance Program
MDA / Innovate Mississippi / Mississippi SBDC
Free technical assistance (no cash grant)
RollingA $7 million initiative spanning all 82 Mississippi counties that provides entrepreneurial education, one-on-one counseling, pitch events, and access to the FoundersPlus webinar series and CoBuilders Accelerator. Prioritizes very small and underserved businesses.
Status check, ConnectMS provides technical assistance and resources to Mississippi small businesses through regional clusters and partners. Intake form available for entrepreneurs to access support services.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
Mississippi CDFI Small Business Loan Fund
Mississippi Development Authority
Varies by CDFI lender
RollingAllocated $45 million under SSBCI, this program provides capital to community development financial institutions (including Culleywood Capital, Renaissance Community Loan Fund, and Hope Enterprise Corporation) which in turn lend to Mississippi small businesses and startups. Note: this is a loan program, not a grant.
Status check, Mississippi CDFI Small Business Loan Fund is part of the active SSBCI program with $45 million allocated to provide loans through CDFIs to Mississippi small businesses. No specific deadline mentioned.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
Small Business Loan Guarantee Program (SBLGP)
Mississippi Development Authority
$50,000+ (guarantees up to 80%)
RollingAllocated $15 million under SSBCI, this program provides loan guarantees to banks and lenders for term loans or lines of credit to new or existing Mississippi small businesses. Guarantees cover up to 80% for fixed assets and up to 50% for working capital. Note: this is a loan guarantee, not a grant.
Status check, Page describes Small Business Loan Guarantee Program with $15 million allocation providing loan guarantees to banks and lenders. No application deadline specified, appears to be ongoing program under SSBCI.
Apply / Learn MoreLast verified, Jul 11, 2026
Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program
Mississippi Development Authority
Up to $250,000
RollingProvides loans of up to $250,000 (or 50% of total project cost) to minority-owned and women-owned businesses for land, buildings, machinery, equipment, or working capital. Applicants must be Mississippi residents and at least 60% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Status check, Page lists the Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program among several loan programs but provides no specific details about application status, deadlines, or current availability. States No information available at the moment.
Last verified, Jul 15, 2026
Minority Business Micro Loan Program
Mississippi Development Authority
$5,000-$35,000
RollingProvides loans from $5,000 to $35,000 for startup or expansion of minority-owned and women-owned small businesses. Funds can cover inventory, working capital, and machinery and equipment for manufacturers, warehouses, distribution centers, and retail businesses.
Status check, Program page is live and describes the Minority Business Micro Loan Program with maximum loan amount of $35,000. No specific deadline mentioned, consistent with rolling basis.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
InvestMS Venture Capital Fund Program
Innovate Mississippi
Up to $15,000,000 (fund-level)
Deadline Jan 29, 2026Allocated $15 million under SSBCI, this program invests in venture capital funds that support Mississippi-based startups. The goal is to attract and retain high-growth businesses by expanding the available venture capital in the state.
Status check, The page listed an application deadline of January 29, 2026, which has passed. Rolling applications are also referenced, so check the program directly for the current status.
Last verified, Jul 11, 2026
Federal Grant Programs
These federal programs are available to small businesses in every state.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program
The SBA's primary lending program guarantees loans through participating lenders. This is a loan, not a grant. But the terms favor small businesses that may not qualify for conventional financing.
Status check, This is a loan program, not a grant. The 7(a) Loan Program provides loan guarantees to lenders for small business loans up to $5 million. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis through participating SBA lenders.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBA Microloan Program
Provides small, short-term loans up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders. Funds working capital, inventory, supplies, or equipment. Interest rates typically run 8% to 13%. Repayment terms reach up to six years.
Status check, The SBA Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 through intermediary lenders. No application deadline specified. Program appears to be ongoing and available through SBA-approved intermediaries.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
SBIR/STTR Grants
Competitive federal grants for small businesses doing research and development with commercial potential. Twelve federal agencies take part. Phase I awards fund proof of concept. Phase II supports full development.
Status check, SBIR/STTR is an ongoing rolling program. Phase I awards $50,000-$275,000 over 6-12 months. Phase II awards $750,000-$1.8 million over 24 months. No single deadline shown; applicants apply through participating agencies.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
USDA Rural Business Development Grant
Grants for rural small businesses and communities in areas under 50,000 people. Covers technical assistance, training, and business planning. Awarded to public bodies, tribes, and nonprofits.
Status check, The USDA RBDG program is currently listed as closed. The most recent cycle deadlines were June 15, 2026 for SECD applications and June 30, 2026 for remaining applications, both of which have passed.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 14, 2026
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Programs
Federal programs for minority-owned businesses seeking capital, contracts, or market access. MBDA Business Centers sit across the country. They offer consulting, procurement help, and financing referrals.
Status check, MBDA operates ongoing business center services but competitive grant windows are time-limited and targeted at organizations not individual businesses. The only identified grant (WEP) closed February 2025. No currently open general MBDA small business grant found.
Learn moreLast verified, Jul 15, 2026
Get Grant-Ready
Before you apply, most Mississippi grant programs expect these basics to be in place.
Form your business entity
Most Mississippi grant programs require applicants to be a registered LLC, corporation, or nonprofit. If you haven't formed yet, that's the first step.
$39 + state fee. Includes registered agent, business address, and more.
Get your EIN
An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and required on nearly every grant application. You can apply online and receive it immediately.
Open a business bank account
Grant funds need to go into a dedicated business account, not your personal checking. Most agencies will ask for your banking details on the application.
Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.
Grants by Business Type
Targeted programs for specific business owners in Mississippi.
Minority-owned Business Grants
Mississippi offers several programs specifically for minority-owned businesses, including the Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program (up to $250,000) and the Minority Business Micro Loan Program ($5,000 to $35,000). MDA's Minority and Small Business Development Division also provides MBE/WBE certification, which can unlock additional contracting opportunities.
- ›Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program
- ›Minority Business Micro Loan Program
- ›MDA Minority and Small Business Development Division
Women-owned Business Grants
Women-owned businesses in Mississippi qualify for both the Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program and the Micro Loan Program through MDA. The SSBCI-funded ConnectMS initiative also prioritizes underserved entrepreneurs, including women business owners.
- ›Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program
- ›ConnectMS Technical Assistance Program
- ›MDA Minority and Small Business Development Division
Rural Business Grants
Mississippi's largely rural landscape makes many businesses eligible for USDA Rural Business Development Grants and other federal rural programs. The ConnectMS project spans all 82 counties, ensuring rural entrepreneurs have access to technical assistance and capital preparation services.
- ›USDA Rural Business Development Grants
- ›ConnectMS Technical Assistance Program
- ›Mississippi SBDC Network
Technology/Innovation Business Grants
Tech startups in Mississippi can access equity investments through InvestMS, which provides direct investment matching from $50,000 to $1 million for Pre-Seed through Series A companies. The InvestMS Venture Capital Fund Program adds another $15 million in support for startups through venture fund investments.
- ›InvestMS Direct Investment Program
- ›InvestMS Venture Capital Fund Program
- ›Innovate Mississippi
Tips for Applying in Mississippi
Increase your chances of approval with these state-specific tips.
- 1Register your business with the Mississippi Secretary of State and ensure you have a physical office in Mississippi before applying for InvestMS or other SSBCI-funded programs.
- 2If you are minority-owned or women-owned, get MBE/WBE certification through MDA's Minority and Small Business Development Division at (601) 359-3448. Certification is required for the Minority Business Enterprise Loan Program.
- 3Contact the Mississippi SBDC Network for free one-on-one counseling before applying to any state program. SBDC advisors can help you prepare a business plan, financial projections, and loan application materials.
- 4For the MIEEP energy efficiency grant, you must submit an energy audit analysis with your application. MDA provides assistance to help offset energy audit costs.
- 5InvestMS requires a committed lead investor with at least $50,000 in equity-based private investment before you can apply for matching funds. The typical investment process takes about 90 days.
State Economic Development Agency
Mississippi Development Authority (MDA)
MDA is Mississippi's lead economic and community development agency, providing business recruitment, workforce training, small business loans, minority business support, and energy programs statewide.
Funding While You Wait
Grant applications in Mississippi can take weeks or months to process. These options can bridge the gap.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Senior Finance & Banking Editor
Richard is the veteran anchor of the site's financial content. Raised in the Midwest and starting his career in Chicago's commercial banking sector, he spent over a decade underwriting small business loans before moving into financial journalism. He doesn't get swept up in startup hype; he cares about unit economics, APYs, and fee structures.
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Grant programs change frequently. Deadlines, eligibility requirements, and funding amounts listed here may be outdated. Always verify information directly with the granting agency before applying. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.
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