Business Grants and Resources for Single Mothers in Mississippi

Business Startup, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Assistance and Grants for Single Mothers in Mississippi

Last updated: September 2025

Emergency help first

If you’re facing an urgent cash crunch or disaster-related losses, act before bills or deadlines pile up.

SBA Disaster Loan help line: 800-659-2955 (Relay 711) for active federal disaster declarations; ask about Business Physical Disaster Loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans. (prod.sba.gov)
Mississippi SBDC quick triage: request a counselor and ask for “lender-ready” help. State office toll-free in MS: 800-725-7232; Oxford office: 662-915-5001. (clients.mississippisbdc.org)
Renaissance Community Loan Fund “Catapult” small loans: decisions in as few as three business days, up to $25,000. Gulfport main: 228-896-3386. (rclfms.com, mscoastchamber.com)
USDA Rural Development Mississippi office (rural businesses): 601-965-4316 for Business & Industry guarantees and other programs. (rd.usda.gov)
General 2‑1‑1: dial 211 for emergency household help; not business funds, but can stabilize housing/food so you can focus on your company.

Quick help box

Most direct capital to pursue now: Mississippi’s SSBCI programs (loan guarantees, CDFI loan participations, and venture capital). Start with the SSBCI intake via the SBDC or Innovate Mississippi. Total state allocation: $86.1 million. (home.treasury.gov)
Fast small-dollar option: SBA Microloans through Mississippi microlenders; amounts up to $50,000, typical rates vary (~8–13%), terms up to 7 years. (sba.gov)
Women-focused advising: SBA‑funded Women’s Business Centers at Jackson State University (JSU) (601-979-4186) and Alcorn State University Natchez (601-304-4342). (jsums.edu, alcorn.edu)
Free one‑on‑one coaching, statewide: Mississippi SBDC network (multiple locations and phones below). (clients.mississippisbdc.org)
Government contracting prep: Mississippi APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) via MDA; ask about registrations, SAM, and capability statements. (governmentjobs.com, magnoliatribune.com)
Beware of look‑alike “SBA” certifications: “Mississippi SBA™” sites are not the U.S. SBA and do not qualify you for federal set‑asides. Use SBA’s free official WOSB certification. (mississippisba.us, sba.gov)

What we checked and the gaps we fixed

We reviewed top search results that Mississippi moms are likely to see (national “grant lists,” local news posts, and aggregator pages). Common gaps we corrected here:

Outdated or generic lists with no Mississippi phone numbers, no timelines, and little on SSBCI capital actually flowing in 2025. We cite the U.S. Treasury and Mississippi partners with current allocations and program rules. (home.treasury.gov, supertalk.fm)
Misleading “SBA” certifications from non‑government sites. We explain how to use SBA’s free WOSB certification instead. (mississippisba.us, sba.gov)
Missing state compliance steps (free LLC annual report, sales tax permit) that trip up new owners. We link the Mississippi Secretary of State and Department of Revenue, with deadlines and phone numbers. (sos.ms.gov, dor.ms.gov)

Cash sources you can actually use in Mississippi today

Quick reference table

Program	Type	How much	Who it targets	Where to apply / call
SSBCI CDFI Small Business Loan Fund	Loan participation via CDFIs	State allocation $45.0M; CDFI loans sized per deal	Underserved small businesses statewide	See CDFIs below; program overview at U.S. Treasury
SSBCI Small Business Loan Guarantee	State loan guarantees	Pool $15.1M; guarantees up to 80%	Bankable or near‑bank deals needing a boost	Ask your bank; SBDC can refer
SSBCI Funds (InvestMS)	Equity—invests in VC funds	$15.0M to partner funds	Startups seeking VC in MS	Innovate Mississippi—InvestMS
SSBCI Direct (InvestMS)	Direct co‑investment	Typical match up to *$500, 000 ; l a r g er d e a l s u pt o $ 1,000,000* match in rounds up to $3,000,000	Pre‑Seed, Seed, Series A in MS	Innovate Mississippi—InvestMS for Startups
SBA Microloan	Microloan through nonprofits	Up to $50,000; terms up to 7 years	Startups and very small firms	Work with SBA microlenders; RCLF participates
USDA Value‑Added Producer Grants (rural producers)	Planning/working‑capital grants	Planning up to *$75, 000 ; w or kin g c a p i t a l u pt o $ 250,000; matching required; FY25 deadline was April 17, 2025*	Eligible farmers/producers adding value	USDA RD; MS state office 601-965-4316
RCLF “Catapult”	Small business loan	Up to $25,000; streamlined	Startups/early stage; quick decisions	Apply at RCLF; 228-896-3386
Kiva (via Higher Purpose Co.)	0% crowdfunded microloan	Commonly $1, 000-$ 10,000 in Delta hub	Rural/Delta founders; credit‑light	Higher Purpose Co.; 662-592-1388

Mississippi’s SSBCI capital in plain English

The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) approved Mississippi for up to $86.1 mi ll i o n * * a cross f o u r p ro g r am s : a * *$ 45.0M CDFI loan participation fund, a $15.1 M * * s t a t e l o an gu a r an t ee, a * *$ 15.0M venture funds program (InvestMS Funds), and an $11.0M direct co‑investment program (InvestMS Direct). Innovate Mississippi runs the equity programs; Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) runs the credit programs. (home.treasury.gov)

How to tap SSBCI, step‑by‑step

Action first: complete the SSBCI intake through the Mississippi SBDC or Innovate Mississippi so a counselor routes you to the right lender or investor. (mississippisbdc.org)
If you need debt: ask SBDC to introduce you to approved CDFIs such as Culleywood Capital (Jackson), Renaissance Community Loan Fund (statewide), or HOPE Enterprise Corporation. They can use SSBCI loan participation or guarantees to stretch what they can lend. (culleywoodcapital.com, rclfms.com, cdfifund.gov)
If you’re raising equity: for Seed/Series A, request an InvestMS Direct match of up to $500, 000 * * (an d u pt o * *$ 1,000,000 in larger rounds, with total round up to $3,000,000). You must have a lead private investor—InvestMS will not lead. (supertalk.fm)
Timeline reality check: bank‑or CDFI‑backed SSBCI deals still require underwriting; allow several weeks. Equity matches depend on your lead investor’s diligence; expect weeks to months.
If this doesn’t work: ask SBDC to pivot you to SBA Microloan or RCLF’s Catapult loan for smaller, faster capital. (sba.gov, rclfms.com)

SSBCI quick table

Program	Allocation	Typical deal size	Key rule
CDFI Loan Participation	$45.0M	CDFI loans—state buys up to 50%	Use CDFI lenders; standard underwriting
State Loan Guarantee	$15.1M	Bank loans with up to 80% guarantee	Work through bank/SBDC
InvestMS Funds	$15.0M	$1–5M LP commitments to VC funds	1:1 private match; MS deals only
InvestMS Direct	$11.0M	Match up to *$500, 000 * (u pt o * $ 1,000,000* in larger deals)	Requires private lead investor

SBA financing that works with real life

SBA Microloans

What you get: up to $50,000, often used for equipment, inventory, or working capital; terms up to 7 years; interest set by the microlender (commonly about 8–13%). (sba.gov)
Where to apply in Mississippi: ask the SBA Mississippi District Office for current microlenders and call RCLF for Microloan availability. SBA MS District Office: 601-965-4378. RCLF: 228-896-3386. (sba.gov, mscoastchamber.com)
Timeline: varies by lender; RCLF’s “Catapult” small‑loan track can decide in as few as three business days up to $25,000; Microloans may take longer. (rclfms.com)
If this doesn’t work: ask about the SSBCI loan participation with a CDFI to bridge credit gaps. (home.treasury.gov)

SBA 7(a) and 504 (for bigger purchases)

7(a): general‑purpose loans up to $5, 000, 000 * *; SB A c a p s v a r iab l er a t es (e . g ., ba se + u pt o 6.5$ 50,000 with lower caps for larger loans); max term up to 25 years when real estate is included. (sba.gov)
504: fixed‑asset financing (real estate/equipment) with long, fixed terms (10/20/25 years); SBA‑backed debenture portion up to $5,500,000. (sba.gov)
How to start in Mississippi: call the SBA Mississippi District Office at 601-965-4378 to get matched to active 7(a)/504 lenders. (sba.gov)
If this doesn’t work: consider SSBCI loan guarantees or CDFI lending. (home.treasury.gov)

SBA loan comparison

Feature	Microloan	7(a)	504
Max amount	$50,000	$5,000,000	$5,500,000 (SBA debenture)
Typical use	Working capital, equipment	Working capital, buy a business, real estate	Major fixed assets
Rate/term	Lender‑set; up to 7 years	Negotiated within SBA caps; up to 25 years	Fixed; 10/20/25 years
Mississippi starting point	RCLF, SBA MS District 601-965-4378	SBA MS District 601-965-4378	Find a CDC via SBA

(sba.gov)

Grants and no‑interest options worth your time

USDA Value‑Added Producer Grants (rural producers): Planning grants up to $75, 000 * *; w or kin g ‑ c a p i t a l u pt o * *$ 250,000 with 1:1 match. FY25 applications closed April 17, 2025; check for the next cycle and call the Mississippi RD office 601-965-4316 to prep early. (rd.usda.gov)
Kiva 0% loans via Higher Purpose Co. (Delta): typically $1, 000-$ 10,000 with no interest, based on community backing, good for home‑based and micro‑retail. HPC phone 662-592-1388. (higherpurposeco.org)
RCLF “Catapult” small loans: up to $25,000; simpler review for quick needs. (rclfms.com)
Reality check: private “national grant lists” change monthly and are competitive. Prioritize the items above first—these are Mississippi‑specific or federally backed and consistently accessible.
If this doesn’t work: ask SBDC/WBC to help you apply for seasonal private microgrants while you build lender‑ready financials.

Coaching, certifications, and contracting pathways

Women’s Business Centers (SBA‑funded):
- JSU Women’s Business Center, Jackson: 601-979-4186; free 1:1 counseling, workshops, and help with WOSB/EDWOSB. (jsums.edu)
- Alcorn State University WBC, Natchez: 601-304-4342; training and counseling for women founders, with rural access options. (alcorn.edu)
Mississippi SBDC (free, confidential): multiple centers (Jackson, Gulfport, Starkville, Meridian, Oxford, etc.). Call 800-725-7232 in Mississippi to be routed, or see phones in the region table below. (clients.mississippisbdc.org)
SCORE Mississippi mentoring (free): request a mentor online; statewide virtual support. (score.org)
Mississippi APEX Accelerator (government contracting): free help with SAM, capabilities, and bids—program housed at MDA; regional advisors operate statewide. (governmentjobs.com, magnoliatribune.com)
MBDA Business Center (minority‑owned firms): Jackson office, JSU e‑Center, 601-321-9574—strategy, capital, contracts. (mbda.gov)
Innovate Mississippi: Mississippi Seed Fund (Proof‑of‑Concept grants/loans), FoundersPlus for women/minority founders, and InvestMS (SSBCI equity). Proof‑of‑Concept awards list $10, 000 * * g r an t s an d * *$ 25,000 PoC loans (some higher‑tier funds are currently inactive pending new appropriations). (innovate.ms)
If this doesn’t work: ask SBDC to escalate your case via SBA’s district office to locate an active lender or a technical partner that fits your stage. (sba.gov)

Mississippi setup and compliance (keep your business safe)

LLC annual report: Mississippi LLC annual reports are filed online and are $0; due by April 15 each year. Corporations also file annual reports (fees may apply). If someone mails you a form asking for money to “file your annual report,” it’s likely a scam. Secretary of State Business Services help: 601-359-1633. (sos.ms.gov, sos.ms.gov)
Sales tax permit: before selling goods (and some services), register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue via TAP; permits are issued by mail; allow about two weeks. DOR help: 601-923-7700. State retail rate is 7% (local rules may vary). (dor.ms.gov)
Withholding/unemployment: for employees, see DOR withholding FAQs and MDES employer accounts. MDES main employer lines: 601-321-6000 or 888-844-3577. (dor.ms.gov)
If this doesn’t work: call the SOS Business Services 601-359-1633 to verify filings, or ask SBDC to walk you through TAP registration screens. (sos.ms.gov)

Mississippi compliance cheat sheet

Task	Who	Cost	Deadline
File LLC annual report	Secretary of State	$0	April 15 (annually)
Register sales tax	Dept. of Revenue TAP	$0	Before first sale; permit arrives in about two weeks
Get EIN	IRS	$0	Before hiring or opening bank account
BOI reporting (FinCEN)	Federal (FinCEN)	$0	New entities generally within 30 days in 2025; verify current rules

Federal contracting routes for women and underserved areas

WOSB/EDWOSB certification (free): certify in SBA’s MySBA Certifications portal to compete for WOSB set‑asides (the federal government’s goal is at least 5% to WOSB each year). EDWOSB wealth thresholds include personal net worth under $850, 000 * *, A G I u n d er * *$ 400,000, and personal assets under $6,500,000 (retirement excluded). Temporary recertification extensions apply through 2026 for certain cohorts—check notices in the portal. Help line: 866-443-4110. (sba.gov, sbaone.atlassian.net)
HUBZone certification: many Mississippi addresses qualify; HUBZone firms get a 10% price preference and set‑aside access. Check your address on the map and apply in MySBA Certifications. (sba.gov)
APEX Accelerator (MDA): free Mississippi help to get vendor registrations and find bids. (governmentjobs.com, magnoliatribune.com)
If this doesn’t work: connect with the Mississippi MBDA Business Center (601-321-9574) for teaming strategies or capacity planning. (mbda.gov)

Regional contacts (save these)

Region	SBDC / WBC / SBA	Phone
Jackson metro	JSU SBDC (College of Business)	601-979-1100 (jsums.edu)
Jackson metro	JSU Women’s Business Center	601-979-4186 (jsums.edu)
Statewide (SBA)	SBA Mississippi District Office (Jackson main)	601-965-4378 (sba.gov)
Gulf Coast	MS SBDC Gulfport	228-396-8661 (clients.mississippisbdc.org)
Golden Triangle	MSU SBDC Starkville	662-325-8684 (clients.mississippisbdc.org)
Meridian	MSU SBDC Meridian	601-696-2286 (clients.mississippisbdc.org)
Oxford	UM SBDC (Oxford)	662-915-1291 (clients.mississippisbdc.org)
Natchez	Alcorn State WBC	601-304-4342 (alcorn.edu)
Statewide	Mississippi SBDC toll‑free (in MS)	800-725-7232 (clients.mississippisbdc.org)
Mississippi MBDA	MBDA Business Center (Jackson)	601-321-9574 (mbda.gov)
USDA RD MS	State office (Jackson)	601-965-4316 (rd.usda.gov)

Real‑world examples (Mississippi‑specific)

CDFI plus SSBCI combo: a Jackson home‑based baker gets a $40,000 Culleywood Capital working‑capital loan where SSBCI funds purchase a piece of the loan, letting the CDFI lend at a manageable rate; SBDC prepared cash‑flow and projections. (Illustrative of how CDFI/SSBCI structures actually work in MS.) (culleywoodcapital.com)
Fast microloan for equipment: a Gulfport mobile salon needs a trailer upgrade; RCLF’s Catapult approves $18,000 in days, with coaching bundled. (rclfms.com)
Rural producer grant: a Delta jam producer applies for a VAPG planning grant ($75,000 max) after a WBC coach helps with feasibility outline and budget; next cycle’s timeline hits each spring—so prep in winter. (rd.usda.gov)

Diverse Communities

LGBTQ+ single mothers: SBA programs are open regardless of orientation. Consider WOSB certification and SCORE mentorship; request safe‑space advising when booking with WBC/SBDC. HUBZone and SSBCI funds are gender/identity neutral—eligibility is about location, size, and capital structure. (sba.gov)
Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: ask SBDC to set meetings by phone/video; consider Microloans (smaller, flexible underwriting) and USDA RD programs if you’re in rural areas. Mississippi’s WBCs will coordinate reasonable accommodations for workshops and counseling. (jsums.edu)
Veteran single mothers: the Veterans Business Outreach Center at Mississippi State University runs Boots‑to‑Business on bases like Keesler AFB, Columbus AFB, and NAS Meridian. Contact VBOC (662-325-4990) for training and lender‑readiness workshops. (sba.gov)
Immigrant/refugee single moms: WOSB requires U.S. citizenship to certify, but SBA loans are available to many resident non‑citizens; SBDC can review documentation. For sales tax and permits, DOR staff can guide you by phone (601-923-7700). (dor.ms.gov)
Tribal‑specific resources: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians offers a Small Business Incubator (Chahta Innovation) with makerspace tools and coaching and an Entrepreneurial Loan Program; Economic Development Office 601-650-1607. (mschoctawbusiness.com)
Rural single moms with limited access: USDA Rural Development can guarantee bank loans (Business & Industry Loan Guarantees) and supports producer grants; call 601-965-4316 and ask for Business Programs. Pair that with local SBDC satellite counseling. (rd.usda.gov)
Single fathers: every program here applies equally—use the same SBDC/WBC entry points (WBCs serve men too).
Language access: SBA and USDA have bilingual staff/materials on request; when booking with SBA or SBDC, ask for language support up front.

Common mistakes to avoid

Using a “Mississippi SBA™” website for certification or paying for “women‑owned certification.” Federal WOSB certification is free through SBA; private “certifications” do not get you federal set‑asides. (mississippisba.us, sba.gov)
Missing the April 15 Mississippi LLC annual‑report deadline (even though it’s $0). The state can dissolve your LLC; set calendar reminders. (sos.ms.gov)
Skipping the sales tax permit. DOR can assess penalties if you sell before registering; apply in TAP and allow about two weeks for your packet. (dor.ms.gov)
Applying for the wrong kind of capital first. If you need $5, 000-$ 25,000, don’t start with a bank 7(a); try Microloan, Catapult, or CDFI first. (sba.gov, rclfms.com)
Thin documentation. Lenders will ask for last 3–6 months of bank statements, a simple 12‑month cash‑flow, and proof of registrations (SOS, DOR). SBDC has templates.

Application checklist

Photo ID and proof of address (for all owners)
Business plan one‑pager and 12‑month cash‑flow (SBDC templates available)
Past 3–12 months of bank statements (business and personal if startup)
Mississippi SOS filings (LLC or corporation) and EIN
DOR sales tax permit (if selling taxable goods/services)
For SSBCI equity match: term sheet from your lead investor, cap table, and pitch deck
For WOSB: ownership docs showing 51% woman ownership/control; personal financials for EDWOSB thresholds (net worth < $850, 000 * *, A G I * * \leq$ 400,000, personal assets ≤ $6,500,000 excluding retirement) (sba.gov)

Quick reference cheat sheet

SBA Mississippi District Office: 601-965-4378 (funding, certifications, disaster) (sba.gov)
Mississippi SBDC toll‑free (in MS): 800-725-7232 (lender‑ready help) (clients.mississippisbdc.org)
JSU WBC: 601-979-4186 (women‑focused counseling) (jsums.edu)
Alcorn State WBC: 601-304-4342 (Natchez) (alcorn.edu)
USDA RD Mississippi: 601-965-4316 (rural business programs) (rd.usda.gov)
RCLF small business loans: 228-896-3386 (statewide) (mscoastchamber.com)
Mississippi DOR sales tax/TAP: 601-923-7700 (dor.ms.gov)
Mississippi SOS Business Services: 601-359-1633 (annual reports and filings) (sos.ms.gov)

Counties and cities: find your nearest hands‑on help

Start with the Mississippi SBDC location list (phones below) and your SBA District Office—both will match you to lenders and programs in your county.

Area	Office	Phone
Jackson	City of Jackson MSBDC	601-960-1851
Gulfport	MS SBDC Gulf Coast Office	228-396-8661
Meridian	MSU SBDC Meridian	601-696-2286
Starkville	MSU SBDC	662-325-8684
Oxford	UM SBDC	662-915-1291
Tupelo	UM SBDC (Renasant Center for IDEAs)	800-725-7232
State office (SBDC)	University of Mississippi	800-725-7232

Timelines you can plan around

LLC annual report: file by April 15 (online). (sos.ms.gov)
DOR sales tax permit: allow about two weeks after TAP registration for your packet. (dor.ms.gov)
RCLF Catapult: decisions can be as fast as three business days (loan ≤$25,000). (rclfms.com)
USDA VAPG: FY25 deadline was April 17, 2025; next window typically opens in Q1—call the state office in January to prepare. (rd.usda.gov)

Boost your hiring power while saving taxes

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC): if you hire someone from eligible groups (e.g., veterans, long‑term unemployed), you may claim up to $9,600 per hire. File IRS Form 8850 and ETA forms within 28 days of the hire start date. Mississippi WOTC Unit: 601-321-6079; fax submissions accepted. (mdes.ms.gov, irs.gov)

FAQs (Mississippi‑specific)

Q: What’s the fastest realistic way to get business cash in Mississippi right now?
A: RCLF Catapult up to $25,000 can decide in days; otherwise, ask SBDC for a Microloan or CDFI SSBCI referral. Call 228-896-3386 or SBDC 800-725-7232. (rclfms.com, clients.mississippisbdc.org)
Q: Is there a true state grant for regular small businesses (not research)?
A: Mississippi’s current primary statewide funding is SSBCI (loans, guarantees, equity) totaling $86.1M—not conventional small‑business grants. For grants, look at USDA VAPG for producers or seasonal private microgrants. (home.treasury.gov, rd.usda.gov)
Q: What are the real amounts for SSBCI equity matches?
A: InvestMS Direct targets matches up to $500, 000 * * (an d u pt o * *$ 1,000,000 for larger deals in rounds up to $3,000,000) when you have a private lead investor. (supertalk.fm)
Q: How much can I borrow via SBA Microloan in Mississippi?
A: Up to $50,000, up to 7‑year terms; rate set by the microlender (often about 8–13%). (sba.gov)
Q: Is my neighborhood a HUBZone?
A: Use SBA’s HUBZone map; if your principal office and enough employees are in HUBZone areas, you can apply for certification and compete for set‑asides. (maps.certify.sba.gov)
Q: Do I really have to file an annual report if I’m just an LLC with no revenue yet?
A: Yes—due April 15 each year, but it’s $0 to file online. (sos.ms.gov)
Q: Is there a free, official women‑owned certification?
A: Yes. Use SBA’s WOSB/EDWOSB in MySBA Certifications (free). Avoid paying third‑party “Mississippi SBA™” sites that are not the federal SBA. (sba.gov, mississippisba.us)
Q: I sell cupcakes from home—do I need a sales tax permit?
A: If your products are taxable, yes—register in TAP before selling and expect your packet by mail in about two weeks. Call DOR 601-923-7700 for specifics. (dor.ms.gov)
Q: I farm and want to add a product line (jellies, cheeses). Are there grants?
A: USDA VAPG offers planning up to $75, 000 * * an d w or kin g c a p i t a l u pt o * *$ 250,000 with a 1:1 match; prep early for the next application window. (rd.usda.gov)
Q: Who can sit with me and clean up my business plan and numbers?
A: The Mississippi SBDC and WBCs provide free 1:1 advising statewide; start with 800-725-7232 (SBDC) or 601-979-4186 (JSU WBC). (clients.mississippisbdc.org, jsums.edu)

What to do if the first path doesn’t work

If banks say “no”: ask for a written decline and take it to a CDFI (RCLF, Culleywood, HOPE) or the SBDC—some SSBCI programs specifically target near‑bankable borrowers. (culleywoodcapital.com, rclfms.com)
If your credit is thin: try Kiva (0%) through Higher Purpose Co. for $1, 000-$ 10,000 while you build credit and revenue. (higherpurposeco.org)
If you’re a startup needing $10, 000-$ 50,000: Microloan first; then revisit SSBCI or 7(a) as revenue stabilizes. (sba.gov)

About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from Mississippi Development Authority, U.S. Treasury, Mississippi SBDC, USDA, SBA, and established nonprofits. It is produced under our verified‑sources editorial standards and maintained on a regular update cycle. For corrections, email info@asinglemother.org.

Editorial standards: we rely on primary government sources and statewide nonprofits, cross‑verify key details, and test links at publication. See our Editorial Policy.
Last verified: September 2025. Next review: April 2026.

Disclaimer

Program details, amounts, deadlines, and eligibility can change without notice. Always verify with the relevant agency before you apply. This guide is informational and not legal, tax, or financial advice.

Security note: for your privacy and safety, apply only through official .gov, .edu, or known nonprofit websites and avoid paying for government registrations you can do yourself (e.g., $0 Mississippi LLC annual report; free SBA WOSB certification). If you receive suspicious mail asking for payment to “file” your annual report or to obtain a “certificate,” contact the Mississippi SOS Business Services at 601-359-1633 to verify. (sos.ms.gov, sos.ms.gov)

Linked sources cited

By focusing first on SSBCI capital, SBA Microloans, and real Mississippi partners (SBDC/WBC/APEX/MBDA/CDFIs), you’ll avoid dead ends and get practical help quickly. Use the phones above, and don’t be shy about asking each office for the “most direct next step.”

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