The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to:
- Promoting community and economic development on the Mississippi Gulf Coast
- Hosting events and programs that support Chamber member businesses and the Gulfport community through Community & Economic Development, Small Business Development, Military & Government Affairs, and Education & Workforce Development
Grants & Scholarship Opportunities:
Small Business Development is a major focus of the Gulfport Chamber. With this focus, the Small Business Grant Program awards grants to members who meet the specific criteria and provide adequate documentation supporting their grant request. Grant amounts are determined by prior year’s success. In 2015, $3,000 was awarded to three businesses.
Click HERE to view the 2017 Small Business Grant application.
Gulfport Teacher Grant Program provides teachers in Gulfport schools with funds to support innovative project ideas that would not otherwise be funded. There is an application process with grants being awarded in the fall and recipients recognized at school board meetings. Funding for this program is solely through business sponsorships. In 2015, Gulfport School District and Harrison County School District received grants totally over $4500.
Rewarding students for their commitment to academics and the community is a wonderful opportunity to demonstrate leadership. A business’s commitment to education can leave a positive imprint on the life of a potential future community leader of Gulfport. Scholarships are presented to graduating high school seniors who reside or attend school within the city of Gulfport. Top applicants, meeting specific criteria, are interviewed to determine scholarship recipients. Scholarships will be presented at the Biloxi & Gulfport Chambers of Commerce Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony. Scholarships amounts and quantities are determined by sponsors and prior year’s success. Applications are available in February and scholarships are awarded in May. In 2016, $8,500 was awarded.
Gulfport teachers, administrators business supporters and volunteers who strive to leave positive imprints on the youth in our community are recognized with Educator Awards. Through sponsorships, businesses are able to receive exposure to customers in the business community while providing validation to those in the education community for their tireless commitment. Awards are presented at Biloxi & Gulfport Chambers of Commerce Excellence in Education Awards Ceremony.
Events and Programs
This program is part of the small business development initiatives. Gulfport Lunch Breaks are held throughout the year at member restaurants in different city locations. The goal of this program is to feature a member’s business while providing networking forums for members.
Military Affairs Breakfast is held to feature a keynote speaker with a military specific message. The program is held annually with the speaker and topic changing to reflect current military happenings.
Over 250 business and community leaders attend Gulfport Chamber’s Mayor’s Annual Business Address and enjoy networking, breakfast and informative updates from the Mayor on initiatives and undertakings in Gulfport.
Initiated in 2014, Gulfport Connections are quarterly breakfasts held throughout the City with different speakers on topics concerning Gulfport Chamber members. First Responder quarterly awards are presented.
