More than 6,000 aspiring entrepreneurs have been reached through the SEP’s world-class programming since 2007.
Each year, an additional 600 to 800 high school students participate in our series of trainings and competitions.
And SEP participation isn’t passive.
The SEP inspires action.
Action is often the dividing line between entrepreneurs and “wantrepreneurs.”
SEP programming serves as a conduit for student startups, providing the support network and lean-startup methodology to leverage their limited resources and to bootstrap their way into business.
Annual Series
What
SEP Arrive is a statewide kickoff event offering an introduction to the fundamental concepts of entrepreneurship, engaging students through a combination of interactive guest entrepreneurs and competitive challenges.
When
November 15, 2022
Where
The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, MS
What
SEP Strive is a series of business “pitch” qualifiers, designed as educational challenges embedded with some of our favorite local startup resources and interactive experiences in market research and critical soft skills.
When
TBD – Generally launches in February during National Entrepreneurship Week
Where
TBD – tentatively in-person
What
This invitation-only state competition brings together the top 20 student business “pitch” presentations from all SEP Strive qualifier challenges.
When
TBD – Generally held in April/May
Where
TBD – tentatively in-person
Making Money Now!
A standalone competition run each school year through April 15, 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
September 15 – April 15
Where
Online submissions
Master Teacher of Entrepreneurship (MTEnt)
More than 350 educators across Mississippi, including many SEP-affiliated teachers, 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.
What
The Master Teacher of Entrepreneurship 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 Economic and Entrepreneurship Education at The University of Southern Mississippi, the Mississippi Council on Economic Education, and the Mississippi Department of Education.
When
Offered 2-3 times per year
Where
Currently offered virtually.
SEP | Southern Entrepreneurship Program 