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University of Mississippi Receives Major Donation for Entrepreneurial Competition

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Students collaborating in a classroom for entrepreneurship.

News Summary

Steve Grantham, an Ole Miss alumnus, has committed a significant financial contribution to enhance the university’s ‘Servin’ the South’ competition, which fosters student entrepreneurship. This initiative supports innovative business models, producing successful student-led startups. Recently, the CIE hosted the REDe Entrepreneurship Summit, showcasing various entrepreneurial ideas. The competition featured creative concepts, including safety lip gloss and healthcare innovations for pets, with CollegeMate winning first place. Grantham’s donation, along with other funding, is vital for sustaining entrepreneurship support at Ole Miss.

Jackson, Mississippi – Steve Grantham, an alumnus of the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), has made a significant financial contribution to support the university’s annual “Servin’ the South” business model competition. His donation is set to enhance the viability and longevity of this crucial initiative that has nurtured numerous student-led businesses at Ole Miss over the years.

The “Servin’ the South” competition serves as an essential platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, providing them the opportunity to transform their innovative ideas into viable business models. Grantham’s involvement underscores his commitment to fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among students at Ole Miss, a value that aligns with the broader goals of the Ole Miss Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CIE).

Recently, the CIE hosted the sixth annual REDe Entrepreneurship Summit on November 7, 2024, where various entrepreneurial ideas were showcased, highlighting the diverse talents of participants. A notable project presented during the event was Rumie, a college marketplace app founded by Tanner McCraney, which has rapidly grown to become the largest college marketplace in the nation since its launch on January 21, 2022.

McCraney and his startup team previously won $15,000 in the Gillespie Business Plan Competition, an award that provided them with free office space at Insight Park for a year. This illustrates the tangible benefits that stem from the support provided by the CIE and related initiatives.

This year’s “Servin’ the South” competition featured a robust array of ideas from various institutions, including an innovative safety lip gloss and Pet HealthCare Innovations featuring products designed to assist mobility-impaired dogs. CollegeMate, an Instagram-based platform aimed at helping college students find roommates and friends, clinched the first place in the competition. The second-place position was awarded to Pet HealthCare Innovations from Florida Atlantic University, showcasing six products focused on enhancing the lives of mobility-impaired dogs.

Auburn University’s Glory EV Charging Solutions was recognized as the best visiting team, highlighting the competitiveness and caliber of ideas brought forth by participating students. The event saw a diverse group of budding entrepreneurs from numerous Southeastern Conference (SEC) institutions compete for a $10,000 grand prize, marking it as a significant event in the academic entrepreneurial calendar.

The CIE has received a funding boost beyond Grantham’s contribution. It includes a generous donation of $150,000 from Charles Doty, co-CEO of Asset Preservation Advisors, which has been allocated to establish the Charles R. Doty CIE Support Fund. This fund is intended to offer essential resources for business plan competitions and Career Treks, facilitating the connection between students and potential employers for job and internship opportunities.

To date, the Ole Miss Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship has provided guidance to 838 students and assisted 72 student-led startups, of which 18 are still operational. This impressive track record reflects the CIE’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurial ventures and fostering innovation within the university community.

Overall, Grantham’s contribution, along with the recent funding boosts, plays a critical role in sustaining initiatives that support student entrepreneurs at Ole Miss. The “Servin’ the South” competition and affiliated programs continue to showcase the inventive spirit of students while preparing them for future business challenges and opportunities.

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