September 1 was the official opening date for enrollment in the Vicksburg Entrepreneur Bootcamp Program.

The program is a six-week program geared towards individuals interested in starting or growing a small business. This program covers everything you need to know about starting or growing a small business. The program's Fall 2021 sessions are sponsored by the BancorpSouth Foundation through a grant it made to the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Foundation. At the end of the program, entrepreneurs will be encouraged to finalize their business plans and submit it to a committee for review and ranking.

The entrepreneur that develops the best and most feasible business plan will be declared the winner of a "Seed Grant" in the amount of $1,000 to help with the cost of opening up or improving their small business. Vicksburg Entrepreneur Bootcamp Business plan competition is sponsored by the Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce and the City of Vicksburg.

Carl Hearn, Chairman of the Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce stated, "The program is aimed at generating more small business openings in the area. The program helps entrepreneurs, either new or soon-to-be, to determine if their business idea will succeed in the market before making an investment. We want to see more small businesses. But we also want small businesses that thrive and stay in business for the long-term.

George Flaggs Jr. of Vicksburg said, "Small businesses form the foundation of our community and they provide thousands for our residents. The city supports small business and this program aids our own residents to start their own businesses. Vicksburg offers plenty of opportunities for small businesses to succeed. I also believe Vicksburgers possess the necessary skills. This program is for you if you are still thinking about it but not sure if you can make an informed decision. I appreciate the banking community's support for the program and hope to soon be cutting many more ribbons in the City of Vicksburg because of it."

President of Warren County Board of Supervisors Dr. Jeff Holland stated, "This is an important part of economic growth for our community. It represents a wonderful jumpstart toward the types of things we are planning to highlight as part of our efforts at the Thad Cochran Mississippi Center for Innovation and Technology (MCITy) starting the winter of 2021."

Participants will also get the benefit of working with a business coach as well as listening to key speakers during sessions that will include bankers, accountants, lawyers and others.

The program will commence on Tuesday Sept. 28. Each class will take place on Tuesday evenings from 4:30 to 7:15 p.m. at Hinds Community College Workforce Training Center. The deadline to register for this class is Friday, Sept. 24. You can register online by going to www.vicksburgusa.com/entrepreneur or by contacting the Vicksburg Warren County Chamber of Commerce at 601-636-1012, or by email at info@vicksburgusa.com .