Little Rock Regional Chamber -

FULL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Diversity and inclusion are key to growing our regional economy. The chamber helps minority businesses grow and celebrates their successes each September during Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week. The 41st annual MED Week, presented by Apptegy, will be filled with unique events and networking opportunities designed to celebrate the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneurs in our region while also providing tools and opportunities for all minority business owners to grow and expand. The week's activities include the much-anticipated annual awards ceremony, presented by The Design Group, on September 15th.

REGISTER/GET TICKETS HERE

Join us on Monday, September 11th, from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. for an interactive and beneficial webinar about how to "Benchmark and Build Your Business to Success" led by the Arkansas Minority Business Development Agency. This webinar focuses on the business model canvas, a tool that can help business owners examine and analyze their strengths and limitations to begin developing sustainable growth. 

Webinar is free but registration is required to receive webinar link and details.

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Let's kick off Minority Enterprise Development Week 2023, presented by Apptegy with our 1st Annual Flavors of the Rock: Food Truck Edition at the Arkansas Food Bank, located at West 65th Street from 5-7 p.m. This event is open to members and non-members for a fun family night of good music, good networking, and GOOD FOOD!  

This event is family-friendly and food trucks will have items available for purchase.    

Registration is requested for entry so the food trucks can be properly prepared.  If you would like to bring an item to donate to the Arkansas Food Bank, there will be a collection station at the Welcome Area.  

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Join us for #TastyTuesday at The Rail Yard LR. Our Ambassadors will be on-site to greet you and network. Lunch is on your own, networking is on us.

This event is open to members and non-members. Registration is required so we can make sure the restaurant be prepared.  Come when you like and leave when you are ready. 

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Join us for an insightful and informative panel discussion that delves into the world of licenses, taxes, and permit requirements for small businesses. Our expert panelists will provide practical strategies and real-world experiences to guide you through the often complex landscape of regulatory compliance. 

Whether you’re a startup founder, a solopreneur, or a seasoned business owner, this discussion will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively navigate the maze of legalities and financial obligations.

Discover how to ensure your business remains compliant while thriving in today’s competitive marketplace. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and take your small business to new heights.

No cost to participate.

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Are you ready to practice and perfect your pitch? Join us for our fifth Equip session of the year: "Practice Makes Perfect" Pitch Workshop on Wednesday, September 13th, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, with Ar'Jillian Gilmer, presented by Delta Dental of Arkansas.

Your pitch is a critical component of the development and growth of your company or organization. Your company pitch is usually a customer's initial impression of your mission, purpose, and product or service. This is your chance to perfect your pitch for almost any competition!

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Join us on Thursday, September 14th, from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. for an "Access to Capital for MWBEs" Webinar to learn from our presenters on the various ways capital can be offered to start, support, or scale a business. This webinar features FORGE Community Loan Fund, K.I.V.A. Little Rock, Hope Credit Union, and Arkansas Capital Corporation.

Webinar is free but registration is required to receive webinar link and details.

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Is your business ready to take it to the NEXT LEVEL?  Join us on Thursday, September 14th, from 5:30 - 7:00pm., at Apptegy to meet, mingle and hear some pitches from several outstanding entrepreneurs who are making waves in the minority community.  

103.7 The Buzz's Derrell Young will be the emcee for the evening. 

NEXT LEVEL is a "Shark Tank" Inspired event for established businesses to bring their innovative ideas in front of our Little Rock "sharks."  Pitch applicants will be judged and hand selected by our partners at The Venture Center.  This event will feature libations, live entertainment and networking with our minority business community.  The winner of the NEXT LEVEL pitch competition will win a prize package designed to help take their business to the NEXT LEVEL. The crowd will also get to choose their favorite!

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This year's Minority Business Awards Luncheon will be presented by The Design Group and held on Friday, September 15th as the finale of Minority Enterprise Development Week, presented by Apptegy. This prestigious luncheon celebrates the diversity of the Little Rock Regional business community and will serve as a way to recognize minority business leaders that excel in their field as well as advocates and organizations dedicated to supporting these businesses.

This year's 2023 Legacy Award winner, K.Hall & Sons Produce will be honored at the luncheon for their dedication and service to the community for the past 50 years and three generations.

Celebrate with Community Bakery on Friday, September 22nd as we recognize our 76th year of serving the Community. We will have some special, custom created goodies to share with everyone.⁠ Join us on Friday for a sweet something as we say THANK YOU for allowing us to be part of your lives.

We are SO EXCITED to be partnering with a local charity, Arkansas Women's Outreach, for our Grand reopening. @arkansaswomensoutreach is a nonprofit organization that promotes the well-being of local homeless women. The organization provides access to the basic hygiene necessities such as period products, underwear, wipes and condoms.

If you bring feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and pads, to our grand opening, you will get extra tickets for our door prize drawings.

YES! We will have drawings for door prizes! You can get tickets for the drawing the following ways:

- Attend the celebration
- Bring a friend who is NEW to The Floating Lotus.
- Donate to the Arkansas Women's Outreach by bringing tampons or pads.
- Purchase products from our shop.
- Purchase a spa service.

We will be suspending our regular business hours the day of the celebration.

Directions: Markham Square Shopping Center

Beside: State Farm, Cheesecake on Point

Across From: Andy’s

Contact: Samantha Stewart; Part Owner, (501) 442-5096

The Little Rock Regional Chamber is proud to present Class XXXIX of Leadership Greater Little Rock (LGLR), a program that fosters civic, social, and professional development for emerging and established leaders.  The new class will be introduced at a special ceremony at the Clinton Presidential Center on Wednesday, September 27 at 4 p.m.  Admission is free.

LGLR was launched in 1985 and has since graduated more than 1,800 leaders who have contributed to the growth and progress of our community.  The program consists of ten sessions over the course of 9 months that cover various topics including economic development, history, and education through speakers, panels, tours, and group projects.    

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Held the last Friday of each month, Final Friday allows members to tell their story during a medium-sized, intimate lunch meeting. Representatives from businesses gather at a chamber member business to trade stories of who they are, successes and challenges they have experienced, and remedies found along the way.

Meet our Host: Brandon House Cultural and Performing Arts Center

This event is open to members and non-members. Registration is required, and seating is limited so register early!

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At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night we gather as a community to celebrate, honor, and remember those touched by blood cancers. Friends, families, schools, corporate teams, and sponsors join together to bring light to the darkness of cancer. The funds raised by this community fund lifesaving research, advocacy and support for blood cancer patients and their families. Join us in the fight to cure cancer!