Program Overview

The Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation in partnership with the University of Mississippi announced the return of Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Program to Oxford in Summer 2023.  

CoBuilders, a Partnership-Driven Accelerator, first launched by Innovate Mississippi in 2022, is a 12-week intensive and structured program designed to accelerate the growth of qualifying startup companies primarily in technology and innovation.  Companies selected for the program will be identified through their participation in one of 7 regional pitch competitions to be held in Clarksdale, Starkville, Jackson,Vicksburg, Hattiesburg, Biloxi, and Oxford.  

Companies interested in applying for the Oxford Pitch Competition can do so by completing the application below.  No more than 8 local entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to pitch their concept to a panel of judges made up of regional entrepreneurs, investors, and entrepreneurial service providers.  Selected participants will receive pre-pitch business coaching and the opportunity to compete for cash prizes and be considered for the CoBuilders Statewide Accelerator.  
The Oxford Pitch Competition will be held on Wednesday June 28 with the deadline to apply set for Friday, June 2, 2023.   

Startup Focus: Early-stage companies generally in North Mississippi
Please Note:
Submitting an application DOES NOT guarantee you entry into the Oxford Pitch Competition.  All applications are subject to review and local mentorship will be required prior to the pitch competition.  Also, please note that winning the regional pitch event is not a guarantee of acceptance into the CoBuilders Cohort. By applying, applicants indicate their intent to participate in the Oxford Pitch competition, and if selected, participate in the statewide cohort for Fall 2023.  

For further information please contact Allen Kurr (allen@oxfordms.com) or call the Oxford-Lafayette County Economic Development Foundation at 662-234-4651.

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* 1. Please tell us about yourself.

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* 2. Please list other founders, key employees or partners.

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* 3. Current Business Website Address (URL) (if applicable)

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* 4. Please describe the nature of your business/entrepreneurial idea.

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* 5. Where will the business be headquartered?

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* 6. What is the type of business premises? (Check all that apply)

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* 7. What is the current legal structure of your business?

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* 8. Please check all that apply to the current development for your business/idea?

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* 9. How long has the business been operating?

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* 10. Please describe your involvement in any other pitch competitions, incubators, or accelerator programs with this business/idea.

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* 11. What is the estimated time to market for your product/service?

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* 12. What is your projected future revenue forecast?

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* 13. Please list any existing competitors and/or competing products in this market.

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* 14. Please check all that apply to the current customer/market validation of product/service.

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* 15. Is this a minority or woman owned business?

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* 16. Please indicate your involvement in any of the following regional entrepreneurship programs and initiatives. (check all that apply)

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* 17. How did you learn about the CoBuilders Program? (Check all that apply)

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* 18. Please add any additional information that you would like to share with the review committee.

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* 19. By checking the box below, you are indicating your intent to participate in the Oxford Pitch Competition on June 28, 2023 and, if selected, to participate in the 12-week Innovate Mississippi CoBuilders Accelerator August - November 2023 representing the North Mississippi Region.

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