Event also features networking opportunities

From YAC

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is driving up from Jackson for a special “Big Bad Business” Series workshop Monday, May 20. Dr. Latonia Lewis will speak at 6 p.m. at the Powerhouse Community Arts Center to explain how MDA can serve minority-owned and women-owned small businesses in North Mississippi. 

Whether an entrepreneur is in the idea stage or in a fully fledged small business, participants will be offered a chance to hear about MDA’s free resources and network with other startups and small business proponents.

“We want people to know that the resources are here in our community,” said Wayne Andrews, executive director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council. “You don’t have to move away to find them. If you want to remain in the Oxford area and also own your own business, there are lots of free resources here to help you succeed.”

Additionally, Equitable Entrepreneurship, founded by Joseph Stinchcomb of Bar Muse, and YAC will offer a free minority-owned small business cocktail hour May 20 from 5-6 p.m. It will feature Dr. Latonia Lewis.

The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) and Oxford-Lafayette Economic Development Foundation teamed up to sponsor the monthly workshop series that is free and open to the public. Workshops offer digestible information and tips on challenging small business topics such as accounting and intellectual property law.

The workshops also provide a forum for networking and connection. “It can be hard to know where to start or who to connect with as you begin a small business,” said Meghan Gallagher, outreach and education coordinator and BBB program coordinator. “YAC wants entrepreneurs, especially those in the creative economy, to be able to connect with as many free and low-cost resources as they can while building the sustainability of their small business.”

Workshops typically last a little more than an hour, with questions and networking following. Business owners, entrepreneurs, retirees and general community members are all welcome. The program is funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts Arts Projects grant. 

To register for the free workshop or to learn more about YAC programs for entrepreneurs, visit oxfordarts.com/artsincubator.