The Venture Center and the Little Rock Regional Chamber Team Up for Spark!
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. August 13, 2019 – The Venture Center and Little Rock Regional Chamber today announced Spark!, a pre-accelerator program offering free office space in The Venture Center. Spark! is taking applications from central Arkansas small businesses until September 4, 2019.
Spark! will select up to eight local startups to claim offices in The Venture Center for the duration of the 14-week program. In addition to office space and office perks in The Venture Center, the startups will receive mentorship and other resources that will propel small businesses to the next level of growth. Local subject matter experts will train the Spark! cohort in areas ranging from business pitches and media to legal/IP and funding.
“The Spark! program is an exciting offering for local startups who may not have access to the kind of office space and support needed to effectively grow a business,” said Wayne Miller, Executive Director of The Venture Center. “We’re pleased to partner with the Little Rock Regional Chamber on Spark!, as our collective focus on building the entrepreneurial community will make Little Rock a stronger city with greater opportunities for everyone.”
The Little Rock Regional Chamber echoed The Venture Center’s excitement.
“Spark! will empower our local entrepreneurs by equipping them with tools and mentorship through a one-of-a-kind experiential pre-accelerator ,” Jay Chesshir, President & CEO of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “We have a world-class business community in Little Rock who want to see our economy continue to grow. By partnering with The Venture Center, experts in accelerating entrepreneurial growth and development, we’ll positively impact our small business community and the amazing entrepreneurs who drive it.”
Qualifying applicants will be startup companies with traction, full-time company founders and a central Arkansas resident with an annual recurring revenue of at least $50,000. Benefits of the program include the opportunity to pitch at Pitch ‘N Pint on December 10, free office space in The Venture Center, deeply discounted parking and conference rooms for meetings. To learn more about Spark!, or to apply to be a program participant, please visit www.venturecenter.co/spark.
About The Venture Center
The Venture Center is a globally recognized Arkansas based Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) that helps entrepreneurs turn their start-ups into viable, high-growth businesses. By leveraging the expertise of a world class team of mentors, intensive programming and introductions to the investor community, The Venture Center serves as an engine for economic growth in Arkansas and beyond.
About The Little Rock Regional Chamber
The Little Rock Regional Chamber is the principal business-driven leadership organization responsible for fostering the economic growth and development of the Little Rock region to ensure that business and industry may operate profitably and enhance the earning opportunities and quality of life for every citizen.