About Us
We are Mississippians helping Mississippians.
The COVID-19 crisis has threatened hundreds of thousands of small businesses in Mississippi, where almost half of all jobs are attributable to small businesses. Even as businesses embark upon the process of reopening, they face new regulations and uncertainties, a diminished economy, and a lack of financial cushion, as surplus resources have been stretched thin for many.
The nonprofit, charitable organization, the Mississippi 30 Day Fund was launched by Marie and Brian Sanderson of Ocean Springs after watching neighbors and friends across the state struggle to sustain their small businesses and jobs as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
Marie, who grew up in Jackson and attended Mississippi State University, and Brian, who is a native of Pascagoula and attended Ole Miss, met during recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and witnessed how instrumental small businesses are to the economy and character of Mississippi. The response and leadership of the private sector was important then, and is critical now. The Fund’s goal is to help Mississippi small businesses that face substantial shortfalls and an uncertain economic future. The Mississippi 30 Day Fund is a complement to the very worthy state and federal programs created to help Mississippians as well.
Mississippi businesses that qualify for assistance from the Fund are:
The funds disbursed to small businesses by the Mississippi 30 Day fund do not need to be repaid. If businesses who receive the Fund’s assistance do, at a later date, wish to “pay it forward” to another Mississippi small business in need of assistance, they may do so by directing those dollars back to the Fund, which will disburse the funding to another Mississippi business in need.
Our Advisory Board
Marie and Brian are joined by some of Mississippi’s top entrepreneurs, business leaders, policymakers, and philanthropic partners, including:
Directors
Anna Harris
Sandra Sentell Klaich
Honorary Board Members
Haley Barbour, Governor
Phil Bryant, Governor
Gregg Harper, Congressman
Mary Donnelly Haskell, Miss Mississippi & Actress
Ray Mabus, Governor
Ronnie Musgrove, Governor
Chip Pickering, Congressman
Ronnie Shows, Congressman
Advisory Board
William Alias III., Oxford
Matt Allen, Jackson
John Arledge, Jackson
Derek Arrington, Hattiesburg
Austin Barbour, Jackson
John Rodgers Brashier, Indianola
Kirby Boteler, Jackson
John Chain, Hattiesburg
Chris Champion, Jackson
Joe Cloyd, Ocean Springs
Philip Coburn, Jackson
David Conn, Jackson
John Currence, Oxford
Josh Davis, Oxford
Derek Emerson, Jackson
Misty Feder, Ocean
Springs
Merle Flowers, Olive Branch
Brandt Galloway, Columbus
Cathy Gaston, Ridgeland
Gerard Gibert, Madison
Jeff Good, Jackson
Cathy Grace, Tupelo
Jenn Gregory, Starkville
LaTasha Hadley, Byram
Kimme Hargrove, Ocean Springs
Elizabeth Heiskell, Oxford
Paul Hurst, Jackson
Rhonda Keenum, Starkville
Colby Lane, Madison
Jonathan Lee, Jackson
Bruce Martin, Meridian
Ricky Mathews, Biloxi
Cal Mayo, Oxford
Greg McNeely, Clinton
Bobby Morgan, Jackson
Reed Nelson, Madison
Cathy Northington, Jackson
Jenny Nicaud, Pass Christian
Perry Parker, Seminary
Karen Sock, Biloxi
Joey Songy, Madison
Robert St. John, Hattiesburg
Mitch Stringer, Madison
Tanner Swetman, Biloxi
Amy Tate, Tupelo
Worth Thomas, Jackson
Amanda Tollison, Oxford
Chris Waddell, Jackson
Alex Washington, Jackson
Amy Whitten, Madison
Carolyn Willis, Carrollton
What You Need to Know
MS 30 Day Fund is a volunteer-powered nonprofit with all funds raised going directly to small businesses in desperate need to protect jobs NOW.
Who does the MS 30 Day Fund help?
Mississippi businesses that qualify for assistance from the Fund are small businesses:
- Employing three to 30 people;
- Based in Mississippi and operating for at least one year;
- Owned and operated by a Mississippi resident.
Do Mississippi 30 Day Fund funds need to be repaid?
No. The funds disbursed to businesses by the Mississippi 30 Day Fund do not need to be repaid. If businesses who receive the Mississippi 30 Day Fund assistance do, at a later date, wish to “pay it forward” to another Mississippi small business in need of assistance, they may do so by directing those dollars back to the Fund, which will disburse the funding to another Mississippi business in need.
What is the application process?
The application process is designed to be quick and easy for small businesses in Mississippi. You will receive a funding decision within three days. The application can be submitted from your phone in less than ten minutes.
Fill out a one-page form (takes less than ten minutes)
Submit a brief video (up to three minutes) about the business and its employees.
A decision will occur within three days, and approved businesses can expect an immediate transfer of funds.
Who created the Mississippi 30 Day Fund?
Lifelong Mississippians Marie and Brian Sanderson, along with other community leaders throughout the state.
Who will oversee the approval process?
The Mississippi 30 Day Fund application review process is supported by volunteers, including MBA candidates from Mississippi State University and law students from the University of Mississippi.
Is the Mississippi 30 Day Fund a government program?
NO, the Mississippi 30 Day Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization fueled by the private sector committed to supporting small business jobs and entrepreneurs in Mississippi.
