More than 8,000 aspiring entrepreneurs have been reached through the SEP’s world-class programming since 2007.
Each year, high school students from across Mississippi participate in our series of trainings and competitions.
And SEP participation isn’t passive. It inspires action—that dividing line between entrepreneurs and “wantrepreneurs.”
SEP programming serves as a conduit for student startups. Through an applied introduction to lean-startup methodology, our students learn to leverage limited resources and to bootstrap a path to success.
Statewide Programming
Arrive | Statewide Roadshow
SEP Arrive serves as the SEP’s annual kickoff, offering an introduction to the entrepreneurial mindset and engaging students through a combination of interactive discussions and competitive design-thinking challenges.
When
Fall/Spring
Where
Request an in-person, 60 to 90-minute classroom visit from an SEP representative!
Strive | Qualifier Competition
SEP Strive consists of two qualifier rounds (written submissions and video pitches), with finalists automatically advancing to SEP Thrive—the statewide pitch showcase. Strive is designed to increase our comfort level building business models that can be used to test business ideas and markets.
When
- 1st Round (written submissions)
- Open: January 7, 2026
- Deadline: February 5, 2026
- Announced: February 9, 2026
- 2nd Round (video pitches)
- Due: March 2, 2026
- Announced: March 6, 2026
Where
Virtual (online submission)
Thrive | State Competition
SEP Thrive is an invitation-only state competition, bringing together the top student business “pitch” presentations from across the state.
When
Friday, May 1, 2026
Where
The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS
$10 Startup Challenge
A standalone competition, this unique SEP offering incentivizes student action and ingenuity by awarding $1,000 cash to one student who most successfully leverages an initial $10 micro-venture. Fueled by student responses to the question “How much money do you waste on junk food every month?,” this challenge was established to recognize student initiative and creativity.
What
The annual challenge, requiring students to use $10 or less to launch a new venture, has become a key component of the Southern Entrepreneurship Program. Students submit a descriptive story of the business venture(s), including a timeline of activities and a personal response to the question: “What did you learn through this experience?” These stories must be submitted as an 18 to 27-panel Graphic Novel created through www.Pixton.com, using the Comic Book feature.
When
August 1 – November 12
Where
Online submissions
Master Teacher of Entrepreneurship (MTEnt)
More than 350 educators across Mississippi have participated in the Master Teacher of Entrepreneurship (MTEnt) endorsement training program. All middle and high school teachers in Mississippi, regardless of content area, are encouraged to apply.
The Master Teacher of Entrepreneurship (MTEnt) program is designed to help activate an entrepreneurial mindset in Mississippi’s middle and high school classrooms. MTEnt training is offered is offered as a collaborative effort between the Center for Entrepreneurship at The University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippi Council on Economic Education, and the Mississippi Department of Education
When
Summer
Where
Currently offered as an online, asynchronous course.
SEP | Southern Entrepreneurship Program
Igniting entrepreneurial journeys. Shaping and empowering Mississippi’s next generation of entrepreneurial leaders.
Contact
118 College Dr. #5021
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
hatchery@usm.edu
(601) 266-6055
Monday – Friday
8 AM – 5 PM
SEP | Southern Entrepreneurship Program 