The first Fast Capital Smart Growth Accelerator offered by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center helped 13 business owners expand their financial knowledge and confidence.
The accelerator was held at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock June 17-July 15.
Over four interactive sessions led by ASBTDC consultants, cohort members learned about financial management, credit and lending, and forecasting.
Each participant also received one-on-one support as they worked on their business plans and funding proposals.
On the final night, the business owners practiced pitching their capital projects.
At each session, different local lenders were on hand to answer questions about the financing process, then to provide feedback on pitches. In addition, Dr. Gaurav Kumar of the UA Little Rock School of Business talked to the group about pricing strategies.
Cohort Members
Those who completed the cohort:
- Shannon Acker, Blue’s Mutt Burgers
- Allicia Adams Talbert, Talbert Lawn and Concrete Services LLC
- Ebony Adams, Adams Family First
- Lonnie Beulah, On Eagles Wings Transportation LLC
- LaRonda Davis, Just Joy Hair LLC
- Miguel Fuentevilla, Imprenta Printing
- Brandy Hoover, The Saucy Tomato
- Kelli Kamanga, Kamanga Learning LLC
- Lakeisha Sharpley, Lux and Soul LLC
- Octavia Smith, The Braid Surgeon Studio
- Rena Exson Stevenson, Allurin Consulting Firm LLC
- Asha Taylor, The Nurses Lounge of Central Arkansas
- Anansa Thompson, ESA Lawncare & Landscaping
In recognition of their achievement, Adriene Brown, U.S. Small Business Administration Arkansas District director, came to offer congratulations at the close of the accelerator.
“This cohort was a blast! It was great information in a timely manner. The speakers and guests were phenomenal,” said Talbert.
“I enjoyed networking with other small businesses owners and that I left with an actionable plan and a physical document, a business plan, that can be submitted for funding,” Taylor said.
About Fast Capital
The Fast Capital Smart Growth Accelerator assists established Arkansas businesses that are seeking funding for expansion and growth and want hands-on support building a financing proposal. ASBTDC is making plans for the next Fast Capital cohort. Watch this page for details.
The accelerator is part of the center’s work under the State Small Business Credit Initiative. ASBTDC is the designated SSBCI technical assistance provider for Arkansas.
This project is being supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21031-0032 awarded to UA Little Rock ASBTDC by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.