Free Forums in Helena and Stuttgart Offer East Arkansas Entrepreneurs Expert Advice
Financial pros from around Arkansas will share how and where to get the money to pursue a business ownership dream at two free forums.
Coming up June 13 in Helena-West Helena and June 27 in Stuttgart, “Delta Dreams: Financial Empowerment for East Arkansas Entrepreneurs” is for aspiring and established business owners.
The new events are presented by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Arkansas CDFI Coalition.
Delta Dreams will feature small business financing experts from Community Development Financial Institutions, banks, microlenders, and other organizations.
Through panel discussions, question-and-answer tables, and a resource expo, they will offer valuable insights into accessing the capital needed to start or grow a business.
Sessions will highlight traditional and non-traditional small business funding options, such as:
- Opportunities for rural, minority, and woman-owned businesses
- CDFI programs
- Microlending
In addition, networking time will offer attendees the chance to engage with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, speakers, and entrepreneurial support organizations.
“We want people to know about the funding and support available to turn your business dreams into reality. If you’re ready to take the next step toward entrepreneurial and financial success, you’re invited to join us at Delta Dreams,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine.
Deborah Temple, coordinator of the CDFI Coalition, said, “We are excited to engage in the Delta Dreams events to share information on financing and development services. We also look forward to learning from local entrepreneurs and business leaders more about how we can be responsive and supportive of their efforts.”
The Helena event is 1-4 p.m. on June 13 at the Fine Arts Center on the Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas Helena-West Helena campus.
The Stuttgart event will follow on June 27 at 1-4 p.m. at the Grand Prairie Center at the PCCUA Stuttgart campus.
Unlock the Secrets of Financial Success
Two panels will cover the different types of small business funding, plus much more. Some of the panel topics are how to determine the best option for your situation, how to navigate the application process, what to include in a business plan and where to get help.
During Q&A time, participants can connect with the experts and get personalized advice tailored to their respective business needs.
Panelists:
- Candence Brooks, Small Business Lender, Communities Unlimited
- Ralph Brown, Chief Lending Officer, Southern Bancorp
- Latanyua Robinson, East Arkansas Regional Director, FORGE Community Loan Fund
- La’Twan Cheathem, Business Development Officer, Arkansas Capital Corporation
- Charity Hallman, Senior Vice President of Community and Economic Development, Hope Credit Union
- Christian Pennington, Lender Relations Specialist, Small Business Administration Arkansas District Office
- Benito Lubazibwa, CEO, ReMix Ideas (Helena only)
- Jack Poff Jr., Director, ASBTDC at Arkansas State University Mid-South (Helena only)
- Wendy Orvis, Business Consultant, ASBTDC at University of Arkansas at Little Rock (Stuttgart only)
Fine and Temple will serve as panel moderators.
“You can expect practical next steps from this great group of experts, whether you want to start a business or have an idea for improving your current business,” said Fine.
Delta Dreams is presented free of charge, but pre-registration is requested. To sign up, use the link provided or call the ASBTDC Info Line, 800-862-2040.
Register for Delta Dreams in Helena June 13
Register for Delta Dreams in Stuttgart June 27
For more information about either event, contact Nick Stevens at njstevens@ualr.edu or 501-804-4530.
