Office of Business Development

Josh Woodward, Director

The Office of Business Development (OBD) is committed to being a valuable resource for any business.  Business Development Representatives help to customize recruitment efforts and provide a variety of services to employers.

In support of our mission, VR Business Development Representatives provide the following services to businesses at no cost:

  • Recruitment and referral of pre-screened qualified applicants
  • On-site review to become acquainted with specifications of the job description
  • On the Job Training (OJT) and wage reimbursement for job training/job tryout
  • Consulting, technical assistance, job coaching, follow up and support
  • Pre-employment services: sourcing qualified applicants for internships, mentoring opportunities, and training customized to the business' needs
  • Assistance with Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
  • Staff training on disability awareness, accommodations and education
  • Retention programs to support employees who develop or acquire a disability

OBD seeks to support employers in sourcing, hiring and retaining qualified candidates with disabilities. Designated Business Development Representatives in your area connect you with job seekers. OBD also offers business customers a variety of technical assistance, local and national resources, assistive technology support, ADA information and other support services.

Our Goals

  • To promote diversity in the workplace by recruiting and retaining individuals with disabilities
  • To sponsor employer-focused education and identify areas of need in supporting employees
  • To provide resources, information and access to qualified job candidates
  • Promote best practices and bring talent to Mississippi's workplace
  • To help individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to obtain and succeed in jobs and careers

Contact a Business Development Specialist in your area or send us an email at businessinfo@mdrs.ms.gov

District I
51 County Road 166
PO Box 1111
Oxford, MS  38655
662-234-0862

District II
613 Pegram Dr.
PO Box 1543
Tupelo, MS 38930
662-840-0967 

District III
2503 Browning Rd.
Greenwood, MS 38930
662-453-6172 

District IV
207 Industrial Park Road. Suite 2
Starkville, MS 39759
662-323-8191 

District V
3895 Beasley Rd.
Jackson, MS 39213
601-898-7020

District VI

1032 Center Pointe Blvd.
Suite A
Pearl, MS 39208
601-709-5613

152 Watford Parkway Drive
Canton, MS 39046
601-855-7398 

District VII
620 S. Lewis Ave.
PO Box 668
Philadelphia, MS 39350
601-656-2998 

District VIII
1400-A Harrison Ave.
PO Box 1408
McComb, MS 39649
601-684-3392

District IX
3 Thames Ave.
Laurel, MS 39440
601-649-8094

District X
13486 Fastway Ln.
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-575-3408

To request services, click here.