Village Roots is a program for alumni entrepreneurs who are ready to deepen their impact, strengthen their foundation, and grow within a supportive community. 

By fostering relationships among alumni and industry leaders, the program helps you stay rooted while reaching new heights together.

We are currently accepting applications for 2026 Village Roots. 

Get Procured is designed to empower small businesses to understand and navigate the procurement process effectively. The program is anchored by a five-day virtual and in-person immersive training that brings together procurement officials from federal, state, and local entities, as well as corporate partners, across Georgia and Mississippi. Participants will gain firsthand insights into contracting processes and procedures and have opportunities to network directly with decision-makers to learn how to access procurement opportunities, obtain and leverage certifications, and develop partnerships to secure contracts.

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Get Procured Cohorts in Georgia and Mississippi.

For Georgia, we are seeking businesses located in the Metropolitan Atlanta area and surrounding suburbs, as well as the cities of Macon, Augusta, Valdosta, Savannah, and Columbus.

For Mississippi, applications are open to businesses across the entire state.

Get Procured is a 6-month program representing a $10,000 value focused on local, state, and federal procurement. If accepted, a membership fee of $125 will be required. You will be supported by a dedicated program manager who is fully committed to your growth, along with our entire OVU team.

Thank you for your interest in Elevated Cities!

Please read this message carefully before completing your application, as only one application per business owner will be accepted. If you own multiple businesses, please choose one business to submit for consideration.

• Elevated Cities MIDWEST [focus on MO, MI, IL, OH + all Midwest states]: Applications are currently accepted.

Please note, you will not be excluded based on location; however, two in-person opportunities will be offered in that specified region.  We encourage all to apply, regardless of geography.

We look forward to receiving and reviewing your application!

ELEVATE Mississippi is designed for Mississippi entrepreneurs in the growth stage who are working to expand their business and have an annual revenue under $100,000. This program provides support through mentorship, training, and resources to help business owners overcome growth challenges and scale sustainably. By fostering connections and offering hands-on assistance, ELEVATE Mississippi aims to empower local entrepreneurs to elevate their businesses and contribute to the state’s economic landscape.

We are currently accepting applications for our Fall 2026 cohort.  Decisions will be made in June of 2026.

ELEVATE Mississippi represents a $10,000 value. Your membership fee is $125. We keep it accessible, but we require it because when you invest in yourself, you show up differently. You will be supported by a dedicated program manager who is fully committed to your growth, along with our entire OVU team.

Amplify: Main Street Forward, formerly known as HER Pro Bono, is designed for experienced businesses with brick-and-mortar locations or businesses seeking opportunities for boutique placement. This program offers one-on-one technical assistance in areas such as operations, marketing, branding, finance, and sales to help entrepreneurs strengthen infrastructure and prepare for capital access. Amplify: Main Street Forward empowers founders to tackle growth challenges and scale confidently and sustainably.   

Amplify: Main Streets is an 8-month program representing a $12,000 value. You will work with two dedicated service providers at no additional cost who will help you tackle your most pressing challenges. Your membership fee is $125. You will also be supported by a dedicated program manager who is fully committed to your growth, along with our entire OVU team.

Applications are currently being accepted for our 2026  cohort.

Get Procured is designed to empower small businesses to understand and navigate the procurement process effectively. The program is anchored by a five-day in-person immersive training that brings together procurement officials from federal, state, and local entities, as well as corporate partners, across Georgia and Mississippi. Participants will gain firsthand insights into contracting processes and procedures and have opportunities to network directly with decision-makers to learn how to access procurement opportunities, obtain and leverage certifications, and develop partnerships to secure contracts.

We are now accepting applications for the 2026 Get Procured Cohorts in Georgia and Mississippi.

For Georgia, we are seeking businesses located in the Metropolitan Atlanta area and surrounding suburbs, as well as the cities of Macon, Augusta, Valdosta, Savannah, and Columbus.

For Mississippi, applications are open to businesses across the entire state.