Inspiring University of Mississippi Students to Create and Enhance Business
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5th Annual "It's All Relative" Family Business Symposium

Sep 16, 2026

While facing unique challenges, family businesses are vital to the economic and social fabric of Mississippi. As a part of the UM CIE Legacy Leadership Program, the It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium aspires to be an open forum where Family Business owners, leaders, family members, and employees from a variety of industries can share challenges and opportunities in order to learn best practices from knowledgeable industry leaders.

From case studies to networking opportunities, the It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium inspires attendees to grow and to continue their family businesses for generations to come. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learn from industry experts, and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of maintaining family business traditions.

The 5th Annual It’s All Relative Family Business Symposium is scheduled for Sept. 15-16, 2026 at the Sheraton Flowood.

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Upcoming Events

Sep 16
5th Annual "It's All Relative" Family Business Symposium
Sheraton Flowood Refuge Hotel & Conference Center

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Programs

CIE Discovery Grant
CIE Mentor Network
Gillespie Business Plan Competition
LandShark Tank Pitch Competition
2025 "Servin' the South" Business Model Competition
CIE Legacy Leadership Program
All Programs

CIE Discovery Grant

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CIE Mentor Network

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Gillespie Business Plan Competition

Marquee Event for the Academic Year

The marquee event for the academic year is the Gillespie Business Plan Competition, held at the end of the spring semester. There are rules and deadlines soon after the beginning of the spring term, so keep an eye on the upcoming events and following the Center’s social media to stay up to date!

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LandShark Tank Pitch Competition

This is an opportunity for creative students to present their business concept in 1 minute. Convince the judges that your idea is the best and you are capable of executing this idea. If you do that better than everyone else, you will win.

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2025 "Servin' the South" Business Model Competition

On November 2, 2023, the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship will host the Mid-South Business Model Competition. Colleges and universities from around the mid-south are invited to have their best businesses present their business model to our judges.

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CIE Legacy Leadership Program

The CIE Legacy Leadership Program at Ole Miss is designed to serve as an empowering resource that encourages the continuity of family business ownership in the state of Mississippi and throughout the Southeastern region.

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