The first class of the Vicksburg Entrepreneur Bootcamp introduces participants to the program, the Business Model Canvas, and the Business Plan Competition while providing an overview of key business fundamentals. Local city and county officials welcome the cohort and emphasize the importance of entrepreneurship to the local economy.Participants explore common startup mistakes and engage in […]
This session continues customer discovery with a focus on customer segmentation and identifying competition. Participants define their target customer and assess whether a viable market exists for their product or service.A guest speaker introduces demographic, psychographic, and behavioral segmentation to help participants better understand and refine their audience.The session also reviews market and industry data […]
This session focuses on one of the most common challenges for new businesses: effectively executing sales and marketing. Participants explore how to build strong customer relationships and the channels used to reach, serve, and retain customers.A guest speaker leads a discussion on customer relationships, sales strategy, and marketing channels, including practical low-cost and no-cost tools […]
Class 5: Stop Boosting. Start Advertising -- Organic vs Paid SocialUnderstanding the difference between organic social media and paid advertising is critical for modern business growth.This session will break down when organic content works, when paid ads are necessary, and how to properly set up and manage Meta advertising for better results. Participants will gain […]
This session focuses on one of the most common and costly startup mistakes: overspending. Participants learn how businesses generate revenue, what it takes to operate, and the financial tools needed to understand profitability.Guest speakers cover key funding and capital access options, including a banker discussing SBA loan programs and lender expectations, a representative sharing microloan […]
This session focuses on a common startup mistake: not seeking help early enough. Participants are introduced to key professional partners needed to build a strong business foundation.A legal professional covers business formation and structure, including LLC setup, operating agreements, annual reporting requirements, and the importance of legal support for contracts, non-competes, and intellectual property.An accountant […]
This session focuses on the operational side of building a business. Participants identify the key activities that set their company apart from competitors, along with the resources needed to execute them effectively.The class also addresses a common startup mistake: poor hiring decisions. Participants explore what their business must consistently do well to deliver value, as […]
Class 6: Clicks Don't Happen by Accident -- Search Engine Marketing in the Age of AISearch has fundamentally changed.Consumers now search in conversational, AI-driven ways. Costs are increasing, algorithms are evolving, and visibility requires more strategy than ever before.This session will equip business owners and marketing professionals with the updated 2026 Search Engine Marketing playbook. […]
Want to do business with the federal government? It all starts with SAM.gov registration--and this free class will show you how to get it done the right way.The Mississippi APEX Accelerator, in partnership with the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce, invites you to the first class in a FREE three-part series designed to help Mississippi businesses […]
The Mississippi APEX Accelerator, in partnership with the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce, invites you to the second class in a FREE three-part series designed to help Mississippi businesses break into government contracting.This session, How to Draft Your Capability Statement, will show you how to effectively present your business to government agencies and decision-makers. A strong […]
Class 7: Audience Targeting -- Find Them. Reach Them. Convert Them.Effective marketing is no longer about casting a wide net -- it's about precisionThis session dives into the fundamentals of modern audience targeting and how businesses can prioritize relevance over reach to maximize results. Participants will explore household-level targeting, targeted email campaigns, and audience-based digital […]
Rust College, MCITy, and Cisco are teaming up to tackle Mississippi’s 2,186 unfilled cybersecurity jobs and a nationwide gap of nearly 470,000.
