Fort Smith Plans to Open Entrepreneurship Center in 2007

The Fort Smith Regional Chamber of Commerce, the City of Fort Smith and University of Arkansas-Fort Smith have formed a partnership to develop a Center for Entrepreneurship in the city’s downtown.
While a site has not been selected, there are plans to open the center during the first quarter of 2007.
What we hope to do is develop a far more enhanced entrepreneurial environment in the greater Fort Smith region,” said chamber president and CEO Tom Manskey.
Discussions about the need for a center came out of an economic development and marketing strategic plan that was commissioned by the chamber about two years ago.
Manskey said it won’t take the place of the small business development center. This will be geared specifically toward entrepreneurs who may need assistance in getting an idea, project or service into the marketplace.
It will provide a place where entrepreneurs can talk with people who are more experienced in the proper steps to take, find entrepreneurial service providers and network with other entrepreneurs.
TIP Strategies Inc. of Austin, Texas, which worked on the development and marketing strategic plan, is on contract to help get the center up and running. There likely will be an executive director hired to head the center, which is being funded for an undisclosed amount by all three entities.