This past spring, MC School of Business hosted its first Entrepreneurship Bootcamp focused on learning how to start a successful business. The free event was sponsored by the JL Holloway Center for Entrepreneurship, the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, and Main Street Clinton. Director of Main Street Clinton Tara Lytal said the program “helped equip potential entrepreneurs with the tools they need to start and operate a successful small business.” T.J. McSparrin, executive director of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, noted that small businesses are truly the backbone of the local economy. Reports have shown that small businesses make up 97 percent of all employers in Mississippi and Clinton. He said, “We want to help them get started and continue to grow their business through this workshop.” During the day-long event, attendees explored all facets of small business development and growth. The lineup of speakers included: Doug Murphy, MC Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Mississippi Development Authority director Joe Donovan, “Clinton Courier” publisher/editor Clay Mansell, and Rhonda Fisher of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Director of the JL Holloway Entrepreneurship Center, John Brandon; Accounting professor Billy Morehead; and instructor David Parker of the MC Law School also made presentations; and State Farm Insurance owner Tim Bruss and Renasant Bank vice president George Broadstreet offered their insights as well. Topics ranged from legal aspects of starting a business, marketing, social media, insurance, and financial issues. MC’s director of entrepreneurial development John Brandon said, “If you’ve ever wanted to make your business start-up dreams come true, this is a great opportunity to begin the process.”
