What traits best define MS business culture? Here’s what local owners said in survey
As Mississippi’s small business sector expands, a recent survey has found what local owners value most about doing business in the state.
There are more than 294,700 small businesses in Mississippi in 2025, about a 5% increase from the previous year, according to data from the United States Business Administration Office of Advocacy.
“Hard-working” is the word that comes to mind for a plurality of local owners, 30%, to describe the business culture in the Magnolia State, according to a December study by MarketBeat, a financial media company.
The study asked Mississippi business owners to identify their favorite characteristics about working in the state. Having a firm approach to growth was the top answer for business owners in Mississippi and four other states: Connecticut, Virginia, New Hampshire and South Carolina, the study found.
Here’s what else Mississippi business owners said they valued:
Top five traits business owners value in MS
1. Having a steady approach to growth.
“Businesses often grow slowly and deliberately, prioritizing survival and stability over scale,” analysts said.
2. Strong ties to local communities.
“Owners tend to see themselves as part of the community fabric, not separate from it,” according to analysts.
3. A culture of resourcefulness.
“Many businesses operate with leaner resources, which encourages creativity, flexibility and a practical approach to problem-solving,” according to analysts.
4. Business built on personal familiarity and trust.
“Business owners value knowing who they’re working with, and trust is often built through repeated interactions rather than formal credentials,” analysts said.
5. Resilience shaped by experience.
“Economic hardship has been part of the landscape. That history has produced businesses that are tough, persistent and realistic about challenges,” analysts said.
How did financial media company conduct survey?
MarketBeat surveyed 3,002 business owners and professionals across all 50 states in December to learn what traits business owners think best defines their state’s business culture, analysts said.
Which industries have the most small businesses in MS?
These are the top 10 industries with small businesses in Mississippi, according to federal data:
1. Other services (excluding Public Administration): 44,194 small businesses
2. Construction: 35,448
3. Administrative, Support and Waste Management: 35,135
4. Health Care and Social Assistance: 28,100
5. Retail Trade: 26,133
6. Professional, Scientific and Technical Services: 25,350
7. Transportation and Warehousing: 24,630
8. Real Estate and Rental and Leasing: 21,058
9. Accommodation and Food Services: 11,951
10. Arts, Entertainment and Recreation: 9,415
