Jackson, MS: An Excellent Place to Do Business

Millsaps College

Whether a small business or major corporation, it’s the right time to grow a business in the Jackson Metro. Here’s a look at why businesses in Jackson enjoy great success and a bright future.

“Central Mississippi is at its foundational stage of growing a start-up community, making it the prime time to be here,” says Sanjani Barot, CEO and founder of The Skin Consult. “The spirit of entrepreneurship here is strong, which helps startups like us in getting resources and advice. I have had so many random people on LinkedIn reach out when they see what I am building. They want to get involved because they love what we are doing.”

The Skin Consult is building an innovative, vertically integrated platform for aesthetic and wellness businesses. Initially focused on providing virtual skin consultations by connecting skincare professionals and consumers, the company has pivoted into more of a marketplace mode.

It’s no surprise to Jeff Rent, president and CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, that entrepreneurs are looking to locate in the region.

“The business climate in Greater Jackson continues to be incredibly supportive, as it is throughout the entire state,” Rent says. “What sets apart our region from other locations is the high quality of life. Our state and region already boast one of the lowest costs of living in the country, not to mention world-class museums, cultural offerings and an award-winning culinary scene. Combined, this makes Greater Jackson an exciting location for new and existing businesses.”

Businesses in Jackson Enjoy an Innovative Spirit

Barot says she’s gained considerable knowledge and confidence from her participation in CoBuilders, and that working with Innovate Mississippi and other partners in the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem opened her eyes to the number of startups in the state.

Innovate Mississippi uses a “coach and connect” model and pulls together the resources entrepreneurs need to scale their business.

“The resources connected include prototyping, legal, marketing, accounting and other connections, alongside mentors and startup coaches,” says Tony Jeff, Innovate Mississippi president and CEO. “Ultimately, companies that qualify as investor ready are connected to investors and investor funds, including the Mississippi Seed Fund and InvestMS investment programs managed by Innovate Mississippi.”

Innovate Mississippi has helped accelerate over 1,500 businesses across the state.

“The team at Innovate Mississippi has been a constant source of support and advice for me as a founder and also in securing additional funding that has helped us get this far,” Barot says. “They are doing something we really need – being a driver for fostering a collaborative startup ecosystem.”

Bright Future Ahead for All

The Jackson Metro offers the assets that help companies succeed, including an educated workforce thanks to Jackson State University, Belhaven College, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Tougaloo College and other institutions. The region boasts key connection points crucial for business with a transportation system via roads, rail, river and air.

Those assets helped attract Nissan two decades ago, and the company is continuing to expand and transform the region.

David Sliger, vice president of Nissan’s Canton plant, also cited strong partnerships with the state, county and local governments and community and civic organizations as important to Nissan.

“Nissan has proudly called Mississippi home for 20 years, and we are now preparing for our thrilling and electrified future,” Sliger says. “Our strong community partnerships have been instrumental in helping Nissan invest here in Mississippi and will play a critical role for us for the next 20 years and beyond.”

Starting in 2025, the Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant will become a center for U.S. EV production.

“Prior to Nissan locating in Greater Jackson, the state of Mississippi had never assembled a vehicle, and today, the company is one of the largest private-sector employees in the state,” Rent says. “As Nissan focuses on the next generation of electric vehicles, they continue to be an innovator and partner to the Greater Jackson region, providing exciting careers and training to our highly skilled workforce. Simply put, Nissan’s Canton assembly plant put Mississippi and our region on the map as a leader in the automotive industry.”

Great Place to Plant Roots

Not only is Jackson a great place to get an education, but it’s a great area to live in and put down roots. In fact, many people come to Jackson to attend school but decide to make it their permanent address afterwards. Gabriel Prado, president and CEO of PraCon Global Investment, is one such example. He came to Jackson for his undergraduate work, went on to get a master’s, left for some work opportunities, but ultimately returned for good.

Where did you go to college and where are you originally from?
I grew up in Mexico and in California, and I came to Jackson in 2007 on a tennis scholarship to play for Belhaven University. I did my undergrad degree there, and my major was business and finance. I received my first master’s degree in public administration at Belhaven, too. Then, I received another master’s in management at Harvard University.

Why did you decide to stay in Jackson after graduation?
It was just a combination of opportunity and family. I had moved to Brazil, came back and worked for the state in economic development, in charge of Latin America trade management. Then, I was a special project officer and traveled with the governor to Asia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Japan and India. Afterward, I worked for the mayor of Clinton, Mississippi, doing economic development as a director there. A big epiphany came to me when I realized I didn’t have to leave Mississippi to get all of those big things that are outside, but instead I could bring them to Mississippi. The state made a lot of sense because my master’s was in public administration, and it was something I was passionate about.

How did you get plugged into the community after graduation?
In my case, Belhaven has connections. Actually, the first internship that I got at the World Trade Center was granted to other alumni before me. That’s how I ended up connecting, through Belhaven University. And right now, the alumni are very well connected into helping the community and new students that are coming out as well.

Everything worked out, because as you progress professionally, life starts evolving with you. In my case, I have my family; my brother and my sister are here in Jackson. Later on, I met my wife. Professionally, the environment is a small population – half a million in the Jackson Metro area. So, you can get to know everyone in the business community, which is good because it allows you to make relationships or switch careers if you need to.

What would you do on your ideal Saturday?
I love the outdoors. We have several trails in the Ridgeland and Belhaven neighborhoods. There’s a trail that is about to open, connecting all of Belhaven to the museum and running all the way to downtown. I love playing tennis, playing soccer, biking and getting away with the dogs – all those sorts of things. 

– Rebecca Treon contributed to this article.