2nd annual Entrepreneur Support Organization summit to take place at UCA

The Conductor, based in Conway, will host the second Entrepreneur Support Organization summit at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway on Feb. 12-13.

The purpose of the summit is to convene organizations and individuals that support entrepreneurs to problem-solve new ways to innovate and enhance entrepreneurship across the state of Arkansas.

Over 32 support organizations attended the inaugural summit in 2022.

“It is no secret the state of Arkansas is placing a greater emphasis on entrepreneurship and small business. That’s why we are thrilled to partner with Arkansas’ entrepreneur support organizations to develop innovative solutions that will expand a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and further strengthen and diversify our economy,” said Esperanza Massana-Crane, Director of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and a ESO Summit committee member.

The summit programming will encompass a diverse range of topics aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and collaboration across Arkansas. Ecosystem building, entrepreneurial success in rural Arkansas, speed networking, lightning talks from organizations statewide, and access to capital are just a few highlights.

To enhance the networking opportunities, a happy hour and group dinner will be included for registrants.

Two keynote speakers will provide their perspectives and learnings from their work in developing complex systems. Julie Heath, Executive Director at IU Innovates and previous Vice President of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, will share insights on leading statewide entrepreneurship initiatives.

Andy Stoll, senior program officer of Ecosystem Development at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, will share lessons from his work growing entrepreneurs nationally through a distributed leadership approach.

Additional sessions will focus specifically on the state of Arkansas, including a presentation by Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald and a demonstration of the new Arkansas Business Resource Hub.

The summit is sponsored by Arkansas Capital Corporation, the University of Central Arkansas, and Conductor. You can register here.