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.
Annual Program Series
SEP Arrive serves as a statewide roadshow, bringing the entrepreneurial mindset into the classroom and engaging students through a combination of interactive discussions and design-thinking challenges.
When
Fall/Spring
Where
Request an in-person, 60 to 90-minute classroom visit from an SEP representative!
SEP Strive consists of two qualifier rounds (written submissions and video pitches) designed to increase our comfort level building and testing business models. Finalists automatically advance to SEP Thrive—the statewide pitch showcase.
When
Spring 2027
- 1st Round (written submissions)
- Open: TBA
- Deadline: TBA
- Announced: TBA
- 2nd Round (video pitches)
- Deadline: TBA
- Announced: TBA
Where
Virtual (online submission)
SEP Thrive is an invitation-only state competition, showcasing the top high school student business ideas and ventures from across Mississippi.
When
Spring 2027
Where
The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS
Additional Opportunities
The $10 Startup Challenge puts entrepreneurship into action, challenging Mississippi high school students to launch a real venture with just $10 or less. Students find customers, test their ideas, and compete for $1,000 by showing just how far creativity, initiative, and a small investment can go.
When
August 10 – December 4, 2026
Where
Online submissions
The Master Teacher of Entrepreneurship (MTEnt) endorsement training program is designed to help activate an entrepreneurial mindset in Mississippi’s middle and high school classrooms. MTEnt training 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
Center for Entrepreneurship
118 College Dr. #5021
Hattiesburg, MS 39406
hatchery@usm.edu
(601) 266-6055
Monday – Friday
8 AM – 5 PM
SEP | Southern Entrepreneurship Program 