Mississippi offers an attractive array of financial incentives to new and expanding businesses including exemptions from certain taxes and many finance programs beneficial to businesses. MISSISSIPPI ADVANTAGE PROGRAM In special session in the summer of 2000, the Mississippi State Legislature passed the "Advantage Mississippi Initiative" (Senate Bill 2002). Advantage Mississippi brings together in a unified manner a powerful set of tools, the vision and the drive for Mississippi to become a major competitor in economic development. The comprehensive package includes significant tax credits incentives as Mississippi a competitive edge. The Initiative places a priority on access to technology, the support of community and rural development, and programs for existing business and industry. The program capitalizes on Mississippi's leading edge university-based research in polymer science, engineering, acoustics and other areas to assist related business development.

The Mississippi Advantage Jobs Incentive Program (Advantage Jobs), administered by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) and the Mississippi State Tax Commission, is a program designed to provide incentives to qualified companies that promise significant development of the economy of the State of Mississippi through the creation of quality jobs. Companies that are eligible to receive this incentive must be directly related to job creation and must provide a direct benefit to the State.

The Growth and Prosperity Program ("GAP"), administered by the Mississippi Development Authority, is a program designed for designating certain counties as GAP counties and making incentives available to private companies.

The Mississippi Ace Fund ("Ace Fund") is a program designed for making grants to Economic Development Entities ("Local Sponsors") to assist in funding extraordinary economic development opportunities to promote economic growth in the State of Mississippi. Local Sponsors are encouraged to use these grants in connection with other State and federal programs. Funding for grants to Local Sponsors is derived from monies contributed to the Ace Fund by private and public sources.

The Mississippi Regional Alliance Development Program is designed to permit local government units of the State of Mississippi to make the most efficient use of their powers and resources. The Mississippi Regional Alliance Development Program promotes development of regional alliances between government units, including government units from another state. Mississippi Regional Alliance Development Program authorizes local government units to issue bonds for the purpose of sharing in the costs and the revenues connected with projects.

The Mississippi Small Municipalities and Limited Population Counties Grant Program is designed for making grants to small municipalities and limited population counties or natural gas districts ("Local Sponsors") to finance projects to promote economic growth in the State. Funding for grants to Local Sponsors is derived from appropriations or funds otherwise made available by the State Legislature.

For eligibility criteria, guidelines, and applications for Mississippi Advantage programs, please see the MDA Website.