InvestMS Direct Investment Program (SSBCI)
Invests as a state co-investor in Mississippi startup financing rounds from early through growth stages.
InvestMS Direct Investment Program (SSBCI) is Mississippi Development Authority's equity co-investment route, delivered by Innovate Mississippi on MDA's behalf. It supports Mississippi startups from pre-seed through Series A and sits inside the state's broader SSBCI allocation, with the public role focused on helping local companies bring outside capital into a round. The program uses equity rather than grants. Larger deals can reach $3 million with up to $1 million in SSBCI match, while the remaining allocation allows up to a $500,000 match. Eligible companies are for-profit, registered and operating in the United States, and a lead investor must already be in the deal. That structure makes the program useful for founders who already have conviction from other investors and need state-backed capital to complete a financing. It is not designed for nonprofits, universities, research organizations, or solo applicants, and the disadvantaged-business bonus makes it especially relevant for Mississippi companies that can move quickly and show a credible path to growth.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.