Spark! accelerator adds 7 to Fall 2022 cohort

The Venture Center, in partnership with the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, announced its fifth Spark! cohort of leaders representing seven Arkansas-based small businesses.

The 10-week accelerator helps participating founders scale their company through a sales, marketing, and business finance curriculum and connections with mentors.

The selected companies for the 2022 Fall Spark! cohort are:

• Kathleen Lawson – Founder, Sprinkles and Spice
• Cheryl Humphrey – Founder, Candy Butta
• Bo Dillon – Founder, Builder Bid
• Will Tidwell – Founder, SpeakUPZee, L.L.C.
• Kenitra Jones – Founder, Kenitra’s Travel
• Mariah Brown, LPC – Founder, The Vision Project
• Marisa Cahill – Founder, Cahill Exterior Design

“Each founder participating in this fifth cohort has a vision for the future of their business,” said Pamela Reed, managing director of community programs for the Venture Center. “They’ve put in the hard work to get them where they are today, and we’re thrilled to leverage our network of partners and supporters to provide these entrepreneurs with the resources needed to grow and succeed.”

The 2022 Fall Spark! cohort welcomes businesses that have been operating longer than two years and are seeking technical support to thrive. Selected businesses provide an array of services, including mental health care, travel consulting, software for builders and contractors, and more.

The program began last week and runs for 10 weeks, ending on December 7.

Near the program’s end, Spark! participants will pitch their businesses to a crowd at PitchNPint, scheduled for November 30 at Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock.

“We continue to be impressed by local small business leaders who are committed to learning and growing, and this year’s cohort is no different,” said Jay Chesshir, president of the Little Rock Regional Chamber. “Little Rock’s future holds great promise for small businesses and we’re excited to support the growth of these seven exceptional entrepreneurs.”

Other benefits of Spark! include media exposure, mentorship, workshops, access to The Venture Center’s co-working space, and inclusion in the growing Spark! Alumni network.