Little Rock event spotlights veteran-led businesses

Nine military veterans turned entrepreneurs — including a handful from Northwest Arkansas — recently presented their business ventures in downtown Little Rock as part of an inaugural accelerator program designed specifically for them.

The event, a collaboration between The Venture Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration with support from the Little Rock Regional Chamber, attracted more than 70 investors, veterans and community stakeholders, aiming to propel the growth of veteran-led businesses.

Upon completion of the program which offered a comprehensive curriculum, mentorship, and resources, cohort members attend a showcase event and present their businesses to a network of potential investors and partners.

Presentations from veteran business owners in Northwest Arkansas included:

●      Lupita Rasheed, Ph.D., founder of Effective Organization Management Consultant, detailed how her firm enhances nonprofit operations and fundraising efforts through a collaborative model that streamlines tasks and cuts costs.

●      Veronica Tice, President of TiceCon, shared her company’s success in securing 14 contracts and generating over $100,000 in revenue since its 2023 launch. TiceCon provides vital contracting, construction, and consultation services to government agencies.

●      Richard Ims from Food Recycling Solutions presented his mission to transform food waste into a valuable commodity. His company aims to divert 40% of Northwest Arkansas’ food waste from landfills within five years, addressing an annual 40,000 tons of waste.

●      Tyler Flagg introduced Flying Company, likening it to “Upwork” for contract pilots. The startup has hit several milestones since its inception, including a beta website launch that connects customers with aviation professionals.

●      Corichia Martin Brisco, CEO of ReeLyfe Solutions, emphasized the importance of creating equitable work environments. Her firm collaborates with HR departments to ensure compliance with EEO standards, reducing potential costs associated with non-compliance.

●      Keith Jetton, founder of RazorCity IT, highlighted his company’s over 30 years of IT solutions experience. Focusing on cybersecurity and supporting the Arkansas Department of Defense, Jetton’s firm offers a Complete Cloud platform for secure information storage.

●      Brant Collins of Collins Media discussed his integrated marketing agency’s role in leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs and small businesses through strategic communication services.

●      Jeremy Mincke, the mind behind CDL Hunter, has built a significant online presence, reaching 40 million people monthly through social media, highlighting the company’s impact in the transportation sector without traditional ad spending.

●      Wayne Jaques, leading Arkansas Shades, Blinds & Shutters Inc., shared his company’s growth to a team of 11, serving over 450 customers annually and achieving $3 million in sales. His leadership has steered the company to success in high-profile projects like the Clinton Library and the U.S. Marshals Museum.

Initiated in 2023, this program leverages The Venture Center’s resources and network to fast-track the development of businesses established by military veterans.

“Our mission with this accelerator is to empower those who’ve served our nation by providing the tools and networks necessary to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality,” said Daniel Schutte, vice president of strategic partnerships at The Venture Center. “We’re extremely proud of our first veteran cohort; they embody the epitome of entrepreneurship through their hard work, creativity, forward-thinking, and resilience.”