UA Partners with Latino Entrepreneurs for Business Seminar

The Northwest Arkansas chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting is hosting a seminar, “How to Start a Business in Arkansas,” for budding Latino entrepreneurs.

The seminar, co-hosted with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the Sam M. Walton College of Business, is scheduled for Oct. 17 from 6-9 p.m. at the Donald W. Reynolds Center.

“This seminar is the first initiative within the ALPFA Northwest Arkansas Chapter to meet the growing demand of diverse Latino professionals who have expressed an interest in unlocking their entrepreneurial capabilities,” the association said in a press release.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 66,000 people who identify as Hispanic living in Northwest Arkansas. Viviana Pagan Castrillon, managing director of the Latino association, said the time is right to harness the energy and talent of that community for the betterment of Northwest Arkansas.

“This is a great place to live and let’s make it better,” Castrillon said, referencing the spirit of the seminar. About 40 people are expected to attend. Castrillon said she is hopeful October’s event will be the first of many.

The seminar’s keynote speakers are Jeff Ecker of Avondale Chapel and Gardens in Bentonville and Denise Brooks of Alexis Information Systems in Fayetteville.

Attendees will be exposed to the nuts and bolts of starting a business — accounting, taxes and capital — and will have the chance to network with fellow professionals. The seminar will also address key issues that determine success or failure, and introduce attendees to available resources.

The event is sponsored by First National Bank of Rogers, Great Southern Bank of Springfield, Mo., the University of Arkansas and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Admission is free but registration is required at 479 575 5148 or at the website sbtdc.uark.edu/.