Leadership Incubator

Blues Leadership Incubator

The Blues Leadership Incubator offers lectures and workshops to the public and business community, with practical applications in entrepreneurship and economic development. It provides a deeper understanding of the creative economy and its role in national and regional economic development, empowers local creative talent, and offers expertise in such areas as marketing Blues venues (i.e., festivals, art, tours, performances, museums, and other related activities) and promoting and expanding the market for the Blues in Mississippi. This series of lectures and networking opportunities also provides Delta State students and regional entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge and skills for success in developing business ventures around the Blues concept.

With the opening of GRAMMY Museum Mississippi in 2016 and the anticipated tourism that accompanies this opening, it is imperative that Delta State provide opportunities for local business owners to gain insight and knowledge on how best to promote and portray the Blues and to be able to communicate its rich tradition. This outcome builds upon the current focus on entertainment studies and entrepreneurship that are in place through Delta State’s Delta Music Institute and College of Business, and also serves as a partner for these two entities and their programs. The project maximizes Delta State’s existing partnerships with entities such as the Mississippi Development Authority and the Mississippi Blues Trail to bring experts to the region to engage local businesses and entrepreneurs in promoting and providing positive Delta‐centric tourism experiences.