The entrepreneurial spirit created by our bold trendsetters has made Arkansas a hub of international commerce and is launching a new generation of dealmakers. Through a statewide network of partners and targeted tax incentive programs, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission is committed to empowering start-ups and visionaries with open collaboration, unparalleled resources, beneficial policies, and a willingness to get things done.
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ARise is a new initiative that helps tech and tech-enabled companies in Arkansas scale up, create high-wage job opportunities, and drive technological innovation. Learn more
75Strong
75Strong is a statewide program that trains economic developers and community leaders on entrepreneurship and small business development, in addition to providing direct technical support for Arkansas small businesses. Learn more
Arkansas Business Resource Hub
The Arkansas Business Resource Hub is a free and centralized online listing of organizations providing resources, programs, and funding for Arkansas entrepreneurs and small business owners. Learn more
News
Matchmaking Event for Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses to be Held May 29
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 15, 2024) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) will host its annual matchmaking event on Wednesday, May 29 at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock. Registration for the event is now open to owners of minority- and women-owned businesses and to vendors.
Business owners will have 15-minute scheduled matchmaking appointments with various private and public sector vendors to discuss possible contracts for their goods and services. In addition, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with other local business owners and listen to a variety of guest speakers at the event.
“Connecting small business owners with resources is essential for growing our economy in Arkansas,” said Esperanza Massana Crane, director of AEDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division. “The Matchmaking Event is the signature event for our Minority and Women-Owned Business team, and we are proud to offer this annual event to minority and women business owners, providing them with new economic opportunities to grow their companies.
By promoting networking opportunities and pre-arranging one-on-one “speed-dating style” appointments, the annual Matchmaking Event can serve as a useful tool for both businesses and vendors seeking to secure contracts. Business owners are matched with buying representatives based on information provided during the registration process.
Confirmed buyers for this year’s event include:
- Arkansas Department of Health
- Arkansas Engineers & Surveyors Board
- Central Arkansas Water
- Clinton National Airport
- DESE Arkansas Department of Education
- Little Rock Air Force Base
- Little Rock School District Office of Procurement & Materials Management
- Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority
- Pulaski County Government
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- University of Central Arkansas
- USACE Little Rock District
Sponsors include Arvest Bank, Arkansas Capital Corporation, the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Nelson Intelligence Solutions. Sponsorships are still being accepted.
There will be a $15 registration fee for sellers to register.
Click here to register: https://info.arkansasedc.com/matchmaking2024.
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About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. For more information, visit ArkansasEDC.com.
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