Venture Center in Little Rock marks 10th Anniversary, launches Veteran-owned business accelerator

The Venture Center, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, announced a new initiative on its 10-year anniversary.

The business incubator on downtown Little Rock’s Main Street unveiled the inaugural cohort for its new Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator. The program aims to foster veteran entrepreneurship in Arkansas.

“We’re excited to announce this dynamic group of veteran-owned businesses as part of our inaugural accelerator cohort. These entrepreneurs represent the resilience and innovative spirit of our nation’s veterans, and this program is designed to give them a specialized platform to grow and succeed in today’s competitive marketplace,” said Daniel Schutte, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at The Venture Center.

The inaugural cohort of the Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator includes:

• Tice Construction – A leader in construction and project management.
• The Flying Company – Innovators in the aviation service industry.
• Reelyfe Solutions – A leading HR consulting and Equal Employment Advocacy firm.
• Razor City IT – Specialists in migrations, cloud technologies, and business productivity IT solutions.
• CDL Hunter – Recruitment specialists for trucking companies.
• Food Recycling Solutions – Pioneers in sustainable and eco-friendly food waste management.
• Effective Organization Management Consultant – A consultancy assisting nonprofits to raise funds to support and increase their impact.
• Collins Media – A creative force in digital marketing and media production.
• AR Shades Blinds and Shutters – Providing innovative window treatment solutions for homes and offices.

“The SBA Arkansas District Office is committed to supporting the entrepreneurial efforts of our nation’s veterans,” said Jerry Talbert, Deputy District Director of the SBA Arkansas District. “This accelerator is a testament to our dedication to providing veterans with opportunities not just to start businesses, but to thrive in their ventures.”

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, mentorship, and resources, culminating in a showcase event where cohort members can present their businesses to a network of potential investors and partners.

This launch coincides with The Venture Center’s 10-year anniversary. Over the past decade, The Venture Center has been a catalyst for regional economic growth, contributing an impressive $30 million in total economic impact.

Its efforts have led to the creation of 121 jobs by Arkansas companies, the launch of three unicorn companies, and an astounding $2.5 billion in total investment capital raised across all Accelerator cohorts.

The Venture Center also touts an impressive 85% success rate, with the majority of its curated companies either still operating or having been acquired.