Entrepreneur Support Organization Summit set to convene again
Arkansas entrepreneurs and economic-development supporters will rally again in Conway next month to continue building a robust ecosystem and network that supports new business development and growth.
The second Entrepreneur Support Organization Summit, scheduled for Feb.12-13 at the University of Central Arkansas, will help unite a coalition of entrepreneurs, small-business owners and potential investors to develop a sustainable Entrepreneurial Support Organization stretching across Arkansas. Sponsors hope to promote the availability of resources to spark innovation and enhance entrepreneurship in the state.
“Supporting events that connect entrepreneur support organizations is critical for ensuring the long-term health of Arkansas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Esperanza Massana-Crane, director of the small business and entrepreneurship development division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC).
Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald is also scheduled to speak.
“The goal with the Entrepreneur Support Organization Summit is to foster relationships and create connections that make it easier for ESOs to serve entrepreneurs in Arkansas,” Massana-Crane said. “We are looking forward to promoting collaboration and encouraging conversations on critical topics that impact entrepreneurs across the state.”
Interest in the summit has blossomed and is projected to attract about 120 participants, more than double the attendees from the initial event a year ago.
Along with AEDC, the event will include presentations from major players in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including support organizations such as The Conductor of Conway, the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, the Kaufman Foundation and Startup Junkie. Venture capital organizations such as Arkansas Capital Corp., the Arkansas Angel Alliance, Circumference Group and Cadron Capital Group also will lead discussions.
The inaugural summit last year was an exclusive invitation-only event geared toward support organizations. The lineup has been expanded this year.
“This summit is built to be bigger, better with more opportunities for networking and collaboration and more best-practice sharing,” said Grace Rains, executive director of The Conductor, the entrepreneurial support organization that organized last year’s event and led efforts for this year’s meetings. “This is a great opportunity to help us build a strong ecosystem in Arkansas.”
Programming, including breakout sessions, will focus on nurturing entrepreneurship and collaboration in Arkansas. Sessions include ecosystem building, entrepreneurial success in rural Arkansas, access to capital, speed networking and lightning talks from statewide organizations.
The event also will feature a demonstration of the
Arkansas Resource Hub, a comprehensive compilation of organizations and resources available to entrepreneurs in the state.
Networking opportunities will be available at a happy hour and group dinner.
The summit is sponsored by Arkansas Capital Corp., The Conductor and UCA. The cost is $125 per attendee and includes lunch, happy hour and dinner on Feb. 12, and breakfast and lunch the next day.
Details and registration are available at arconductor. org/eso-summit.
STALEY TEHNOLOGIES EXPANDS
Staley Technologies of Little Rock has acquired a Tulsa company to enhance cybersecurity offerings and build stronger resources to support network infrastructure design, installation and maintenance.
Staley acquired the managed service and cybersecurity service division of HoganTaylor of Tulsa.
“We are proud to bring together two well-respected groups to enhance the services we offer our clients,” said Andrew Faulkner, chief executive officer of Staley Technologies. “The HoganTaylor team shares our core values of integrity and excellent client service. We know this partnership will be a great benefit to our current and future customers.”
The teams are putting together a new division of Staley to focus on cybersecurity and network offerings.
“This acquisition is all about the expansion of services,” said Cody Griffin, a former HoganTaylor employee who will lead the initiative. “I am eager to offer more services to existing clients of both entities as well as new clients in the future as we support Staley’s nationwide presence.”
Staley, founded in 1951, offers services nationwide through eight offices.
TAX FILING ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE
Southern Bancorp Inc. will offer help with preparing free tax filings for individuals earning up to $64,000.
The event is scheduled for Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Goodwill Training & Education Center, 7400 Scott Hamilton Drive in Little Rock.
Southern Bancorp and other community partners will have on hand IRS-certified staff to provide free tax services.
The “Super Saturday” is a one-time event but Southern also offers free preparation and filing at participating branch offices throughout tax season. The Saturday event is offered to provide a more flexible weekend option.
Other free services available at the event include legal assistance for estate planning and record sealing as well as free health screenings. Free lunches also will be available while supplies last. Health screenings will include tests for hepatitis, cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose. Spanish speakers will be available.
Southern Bancorp, with assets of $2.5 billion, operates 56 locations serving 65,000 customers in Arkansas and Mississippi.