Mississippi leaders sign MOU to boost small business innovation through ERDCWERX

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — State leaders and federal officials gathered Wednesday at MCITy in Vicksburg to celebrate a new partnership designed with ERDCWERX to expand small business opportunities and strengthen Mississippi’s role in defense innovation.

Gov. Tate Reeves joined Paul Sumrall, director of ERDCWERX; Dr. Beth Fleming, deputy director of ERDC; and other officials for the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between ERDCWERX, the Mississippi Development Authority, and the Mississippi Apex Accelerator.

“ERDC has leveraged its partnership with ERDCWERX to enhance collaboration with small businesses and higher education,” Fleming said. “This partnership has increased opportunities for commercializing ERDC capabilities and facilitated technology transfer, which is so important for our nation, the Department of Defense, the Army, and our city.”

Fleming she is confident the collaboration will support the growth of Mississippi’s small business community, particularly those tied to innovation and defense.

Reeves praised ERDC and its Vicksburg-based research teams for their global impact. “The important work that you’ve done and are doing in Vicksburg is truly second to none,” he said. “The technology you develop is world class, and I know that the MOU we’re signing today will go a long way in solidifying Mississippi as a global leader in innovation.”

The governor framed the agreement as a step forward for economic growth, noting that Mississippi announced more than $15 billion in new capital investments in 2024 and has already surpassed $18 billion in 2025.

“The heart and soul of our economy is and will always be small businesses, just like the ones that incubate and start right here in this facility,” Reeves said. “This MOU will be another critical tool in our toolbox to grow jobs not of the last 50 years, but for the next 50 years.”

Reeves also highlighted the development of MCITy, ERDC’s innovation hub in Vicksburg, which he said is creating high-tech jobs, supporting entrepreneurship, and fostering partnerships with universities including Mississippi State and Alcorn State.

“In short, it’s another historic day for Vicksburg and another historic day for the state of Mississippi,” Reeves said. “This MOU is another tremendous win, and I’m excited to see all of the good things that will come as a result of it.”