The Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce has announced the opening of enrollment for the Summer 2024 Vicksburg Entrepreneur Bootcamp. 

The accelerated program will begin Tuesday, July 9, and meet Tuesdays and Thursdays through Thursday, August 8. Classes will be held at MCITy, located at 1622 Washington St.,  from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.

The entrepreneur bootcamp program is designed to support individuals interested in starting or growing a small business. The program will cover essential business topics including market research, accounting, legal, finances, and marketing. Additionally, the program will include hands-on activities that allow participants to problem solve various business situations. Business and community leaders will serve as mentors.

As part of the program, entrepreneurs will be encouraged to complete a business plan and present their plans to a committee of bankers, who will review and rank them. The entrepreneur that develops the best and most feasible business plan will be declared the winner of a “Seed Grant” in the amount of $1,500 to help him or her with the cost of opening or improving their small business.

The Vicksburg Entrepreneur Bootcamp Business Plan Competition is sponsored by the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Vicksburg, Cadence Bank, Delta Bank, Guaranty Bank & Trust Company, Mutual Credit Union, Regions Bank, RiverHills Bank, and Trustmark National Bank.

Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said the camp is always beneficial to locals looking to fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams. 

“Vicksburg is a city of innovation and opportunity, and the entrepreneur bootcamp is a testament to our commitment to fostering business growth,” he said. “This affordable program provides invaluable resources and expert guidance. I encourage everyone with a business idea to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Warren County Board of Supervisors President Kelle Barfield echoed Flaggs’ sentiment.

“The entrepreneur bootcamp is an invaluable program that equips entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the complexities of starting and running a business,” she said. “By providing this foundation, the bootcamp instills confidence in future business owners. We commend those bold enough to start a new business and believe this program will pave the way for a prosperous future for Warren County.”

David Cox, chair of the Economic Development Committee with the Chamber of Commerce and president of Cadence Bank in Vicksburg said giving local entrepreneurs an avenue to get their ideas moving is as important for Vicksburg as it is for the individuals themselves.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce to announce the Summer 2024 Entrepreneur Bootcamp, reaffirming our dedication to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in our community,” he said. “This year’s bootcamp will equip participants with the skills needed to become successful business owners. The personalized assistance it offers makes it a unique and invaluable program. I strongly encourage you to join and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity.”

The deadline to register for the entrepreneur bootcamp is Friday, July 5. For more information, visit vicksburgusa.com/entrepreneur-bootcamp or contact Chris Rials at the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce at 601-636-1012, or by email at crials@vicksburgchamber.org.