Moss Point Encourages Small Business Growth

The City of Moss Point was once a thriving industrial community on the banks of the Pascagoula River, but in recent years, the city has fallen on hard times economically.

City leaders want to give Moss Point a fresh start, and they’re counting on small businesses to lead the way. Ever since Rosia Sowell became a mother, she dreamed of owning her own business. Sowell says, “Now I have a dream, my vision, and a plan.”

She wants to open a baby clothing boutique with outfits suitable for formal events like church and weddings. Sowell has been planning this for years, but has one big thing holding her back. Sowell also says, “Fear, to be honest. Fear of failing.”

Like many people wanting to start their own business, Sowell doesn’t know where to begin. So Wednesday, Jackson County and the City of Moss Point hosted a small business summit to train individuals wanting to start or grow their own business. Sowell says, “I came here to learn, get some valuable resources to help me step out and do what I feel is necessary for me, as well as my community.”

Moss Point is depending on entrepreneurs to help revitalize the stagnant economy in the river city. After a series of unfortunate events, including Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the closing of International Paper just a few years later, Moss Point was left with fewer residents, less business, and most importantly, a smaller tax base. So now, the city is focused on growing small businesses to give Moss Point the shot in the arm it needs.

Next year, the Audubon Center, an environmental tourist destination, is set to open in the heart of downtown Moss Point. The center is expected to attract 8,000 tourists in the first year alone.

Moss Point wants to do everything it can to have the downtown filled with small businesses. Sue Wright, Director of Economic Development for Moss Point, says, “One of the reasons we’re having the summit today is we do have vacant buildings, and so we’re trying to show there is a genuine opportunity for a company to start a business in Moss Point. If you’re targeting the Audubon Center opportunity, we have open space and customers who’ll be coming to Moss Point by July of 2015.”

People like Sowell can’t wait for the opportunity. Sowell closes, “Nothing but success, nothing but success.”