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cooperative competes

Accelerating Mississippi’s Competitive Edge

Targeted grants. Strategic events. Ready-to-build sites.
 We’re helping local communities attract major investments – and win.

What is Cooperative Competes?

Cooperative Competes is a multi-faceted Economic Development initiative intended to show companies that Mississippi is a competitive region to do business. The purpose is to increase the tangible assets within our 55 county service territory, and the intangible expertise of our communities and economic development organizations.

The Cooperative Competes initiative includes a grant program, known as “Cooperative Competes Grants” that provide funding for economic development needs across the state. The initiative also includes Cooperative Competes programming events that are strategic learning and networking opportunities and free to attend.

Download Cooperative Competes Grant Application
Contact Our Team

Recent Wins

More Recent Wins

COOPERATIVE COMPETES GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

Pick the tier that fits you best.

Tier 1

Up to $10,000

For marketing, branding, and community development initiatives.

✅ No match required.

Download Grant Application

ELIGIBLE USES

  • Strategic Planning
  • Website design
  • Workforce development campaigns
  • Retail recruitment
  • Signage or aesthetic upgrades

Tier 2

Up to $25,000

For site readiness and pre-development studies

✅ 10% match required.

Download Grant Application

ELIGIBLE USES

  • Site visit preparation
  • Architectural fees
  • Environmental due diligence
  • On-site demolition
  • Consultant or legal services
  • MDA Grant matching funds

Tier 3

Up to $50,000

For infrastructure and site preparation projects

✅ 20% match required.

Download Grant Application

ELIGIBLE USES

  • Site clearing, grading, or grubbing
  • Transportation infrastructure
  • Improvements to existing industrial buildings
  • Environmental mitigation
  • MDA Grant matching funds

Events &
Programming

Connect. Learn. Lead.

At Cooperative Energy, we know site readiness goes beyond the land. Cooperative Competes programming brings together economic developers, community leaders, and industry partners to share knowledge, build relationships, and drive strategic growth across Mississippi.

Through workshops, roundtables, and our annual Summit, we explore topics like:

  • Utilities and permitting
  • Workforce readiness
  • Site selector expectations
  • Public sector leadership development

Our events are typically by invitation.

If you’re interested in attending or learning more about upcoming programming, contact our Economic Development team.

Cooperative Competes Summit 2025 Video

2025 Summit Recap

Our annual Cooperative Energy Summit brings together economic developers, elected officials, and industry partners to align around site development strategy and business attraction. This year’s event featured keynotes, roundtables, and working sessions on workforce, infrastructure, and site readiness across Mississippi.

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