1. Business & Innovation Assistance Center #SBAHQ-14-C-0012

2. What is the MIST Cluster? Business & Innovation Assistance Center Regional group of organizations in the Northern Gulf of Mexico involved in the portion of the economy derived from our water resource Large Companies Small Businesses Universities and other Educational Organizations Non-profits Federal Agencies That are: Directly involved in marine S&T Indirectly support the sector Induced based on direct and indirect activity

3. MIST History Business & Innovation Assistance Center Long identified as an existing cluster and industry sector of importance Conversation started at Oceans In Action (Annual MTS Gulf Coast Section event) in 2000 Economic Forum hosted by University of Southern Mississippi in April 2014 serves as catalyst for increased attention to sector Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Innovation Clusters (RIC) contract awarded 2015

4. MIST Activities to Date Business & Innovation Assistance Center Direct and Linking support to local small businesses More discussions with new and expanding companies A better understanding of the role the Blue Economy plays in Mississippi and the Northern Gulf region – and need for more conversation Engaging federal partners Engaging large company stakeholders

5. MIST Challenges Business & Innovation Assistance Center Four-state area – geographic challenge Competitive nature of business – connecting firms that are in same competitive space We got everyone talking – now we need some action!

6. Business & Innovation Assistance Center