Mississippi Advantage Jobs Program
Mississippi Development Authority (MDA)
Up to 4% of payroll, 10 yrs
10-year MS payroll rebate for net new jobs
Mississippi's Advantage Jobs Program pays a payroll rebate of up to 4% of new employees' total annual salaries for up to 10 years to qualifying businesses that create 25+ net new full-time jobs at wages averaging 110% of the average county or state wage (whichever is less). It is one of Mississippi's most used cash-incentive programs for manufacturers, distributors, and business service firms relocating or expanding in the state.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount
- Rebate of up to 4% of new employees' total annual salaries (excluding non-taxable benefits) for up to 10 years. A company creating 50 jobs at $55,000/yr average would receive up to $110,000/yr in rebates — $1.1M total over the program term.
- Realistic amount
- Mid-sized manufacturers and distribution centers typically receive $75,000–$400,000/yr in rebates. Larger projects with…
- Deadline
- Rolling — applications accepted year-round through MDA
- Status
- active
- States
- MS
- Payment model
- reimbursement
Who qualifies
- Business must be a new or expanding enterprise in Mississippi (not retail, gaming, or certain service providers)
- Must create a minimum of 25 net new full-time jobs within 24 months of MDA approval
- New jobs must pay an average annual wage of at least 110% of the lesser of the average county or state wage
- Alternative track: data/information processing firms creating 200+ new jobs at 100% of average county or state wage
- Employees must be Mississippi residents
- Company must maintain the qualifying employment and wage levels for the full rebate period
Hard requirements
- Must be incorporated
- Location restriction: Mississippi
- Requires creating at least 25 new jobs
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Payroll rebate on new employees' taxable wages
- Can be used for any business purpose once received (general working capital)
Ineligible expenses
- Non-taxable benefits (health insurance, 401k, etc.) excluded from rebate base
- Existing employees' salaries do not qualify
- Seasonal or part-time positions
- Retail, gaming, or personal service jobs
How to apply
-
1
Contact MDA and submit Letter of Intent
Reach out to the Mississippi Development Authority Financial Resources Division to discuss project details. Submit a Letter of Intent including projected jobs, wages, industry, and location. MDA evaluates the project's eligibility and economic impact.
~4 hrs
-
2
Negotiate and execute Advantage Jobs Agreement
MDA prepares a formal program agreement specifying job creation thresholds, wage floors, program period (up to 10 years), and rebate percentage. Both parties execute the agreement before any qualifying jobs are created.
~8 hrs
-
3
Create qualifying jobs and track payroll
Company creates net new full-time jobs meeting the wage requirements. Detailed payroll records must be maintained throughout the program period for annual verification by MDA.
~10 hrs
-
4
Submit annual payroll reports and receive rebates
Submit annual payroll documentation to MDA. Upon verification, MDA issues rebate payments equal to the agreed percentage of qualifying new payroll. Payments continue for up to 10 years provided job and wage requirements are met.
~5 hrs
MDA approval must precede job creation — companies that announce before applying are disqualified. Engage MDA during site selection, not after.
Deadline & timing
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Companies must receive MDA approval before creating qualifying jobs — retroactive claims are not accepted.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.