Small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking funding will have a unique opportunity to pitch their projects at Lender Quick-Connect: Find Your Funder.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is hosting the new no-cost event on May 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., at the Reynolds Business Center on the campus of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
In just one afternoon, attendees can connect with multiple Arkansas lenders and pitch their business financing needs in a fast-paced, one-on-one meeting format. Each participant will be matched with up to seven lenders, based on key business details, including their industry, credit score, business stage, and project scope.
Attendees can also:
- Meet with credit counseling services to discuss financial readiness
- Engage with ASBTDC business consultants and Small Business Administration representatives
- Get expert tips on crafting a compelling funding pitch
Participating lending institutions include ACC Capital (formerly Arkansas Capital Corporation), Arkansas Federal Credit Union, Arvest Bank, Bank OZK, Communities Unlimited, Evolve Bank & Trust, FORGE Community Loan Fund, Hope Credit Union, First Community Bank, First Security Bank, First Service Bank, Regions Bank, Simmons Bank, Southern Bancorp Bank, Southern Bancorp Community Partners and U.S. Bank.
The event is designed to help entrepreneurs navigate the funding landscape and build relationships with funders who have a proven track record of small business lending.
“We hope this format will be more efficient and less intimidating than approaching individual lenders,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine. “With banks, credit unions, microlenders and Community Development Financial Institutions all taking part, Lender Quick-Connect will showcase a wide range of options for funding a new business, business purchase, or expansion.”
Pre-registration is required. To reserve your spot, click here, or contact ASBTDC’s Nick Stevens at 501-804-4530 or njstevens@ualr.edu.
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.