educate. collaborate. accelerate.
 

educate. collaborate. accelerate.

We help entrepreneurs and corporations by designing innovative programs that support sustainable economic growth.

 
 
 
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events

 
Featured
VC Workshop: Marketing Messaging That Works w/ Schell Gower
Feb 26
VC Workshop: Marketing Messaging That Works w/ Schell Gower

Creating marketing that makes you money doesn't have to be hard or expensive. In this VC Workshop, instructor Schell Gower will teach you how to create the perfect message to gain customers and attract investors. 

Clinton Speaker Series + Venture Center: Making of an Entrepreneur
Mar 4
Clinton Speaker Series + Venture Center: Making of an Entrepreneur

From a pool of applicants from 32 countries, 6 continents and 24 states, 10 entrepreneurs were chosen to participate in an accelerator program in Little Rock.

In this panel, you will hear the candid stories of 6 entrepreneurs and their journey towards pivoting, taking risks, and challenging the status quo to make a meaningful impact in the world. Join us as we hear inspiring stories from the entrepreneurs participating in the ICBA ThinkTech Accelerator program at the Venture Center.


VC Workshop: How does Artificial Intelligence effect businesses today and how can you make it work for you?
Mar 12
VC Workshop: How does Artificial Intelligence effect businesses today and how can you make it work for you?

Join us with one of the portfolio companies from our ICBA Thinktech Accelerator program, CRiskCo to learn Artificial Intelligence effect businesses today and how can you make it work for you.

#VCLiftTheRock presents Hound's Lounge + ASBTDC
Mar 15
#VCLiftTheRock presents Hound's Lounge + ASBTDC

Enjoy learning about resources available through ASBTDC over lunch at the Venture Center and get ready to be inspired by the startup story of Little Rock’s premier pet resort and spa, Hounds Lounge!

ICBA DEMO DAY 2019
Mar 27
ICBA DEMO DAY 2019

Get a glimpse into the future of community banking as the 2019 portfolio company founders present to a crowd of banking executives, business leaders and investors. Together, this forward-focused community innovating community banking and the future of fintech!

Beer, wine and other refreshments will be served.

Mentorship Class of 2019: Match Day Luncheon
Apr 5
Mentorship Class of 2019: Match Day Luncheon

Protégés accepted into the program will have the chance to meet the mentors participating in the 2019 class. At the end of the lunch and networking event, protégés will be asked to submit their top three mentor choices. This will aid The Venture Center’s selection committee in choosing the right mentor for for each participant.

*This is a closed event for those accepted into the Mentorship Program for 2019. To apply to participate in this program, click here.

 

programs

 

accelerators

We work with a variety of corporate entities to help them solve problems where technology is pivotal in their quest to better serve their stakeholders.  The Venture Center’s immersive accelerator programs are designed to accelerate the growth of early-stage companies and help them validate their solutions for real-world problems. Our methodology provides a unique opportunity to connect with C-level suite global executives, receive seed investment and learn from a comprehensive curriculum that will aid in strategically addressing go-to-market, business, and finance challenges, our accelerator programs are unlike any other in the country.

 

community events

The Venture Center is the place where the technology community comes together to learn and connect. Learn about upcoming workshops and seminars on our events page.

Workforce development bootcamps

We help companies boost retention and keep entrepreneurial employees engaged within creative and innovative environment by participating in annual workforce development events hosted at the VC. Jolt is just one of the many weekend events that will empower natural entrepreneurs and innovators on your internal teams while providing new tools and frameworks that can become catalysts for cultural transformation.

 

Mentorship program

The Venture Center is dedicated to helping professionals in all stages of their careers grow. Sometimes this “growth” can mean giving back. Our Mentor program does both by matching professionals who are looking for career coaching with seasoned executives in the Little Rock area on an annual class basis.

 
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“

May 2017

We are a global company, but there are so many new ideas, we could not possibly be innovative without the help of these technologies.

Jody Rule, FIS / Watch Video

 

 

 

the latest

 
Featured
The Venture Center is Now Accepting Applications to New 2019 Mentorship Program
The Venture Center is Now Accepting Applications to New 2019 Mentorship Program

The Venture Center launches an exclusive mentorship program engaging elected participants through quarterly interactive meetups and monthly one-on-one sessions with protégés. The program will be accepting mentor and protégé applications for the 2019 program from February 2019 - March 8, 2019.

Founder Feature: Robert Johnston CEO of Adlumin
Founder Feature: Robert Johnston CEO of Adlumin

“You must facilitate an environment that is tolerant of mistakes. Without that none of your employees will take a risk and without the willingness to take risks you cannot assert yourself in the marketplace.”

7 Tips for Applying to an Accelerator
7 Tips for Applying to an Accelerator

If you are interviewing with an accelerator or seed investor, the first thing you need to do is stand out among all the noise. Below is my list of tips on how to stand out based on conducting hundreds of founder interviews.

The Venture Center Announces the Addition of Mimi San Pedro as Chief Strategy Officer
The Venture Center Announces the Addition of Mimi San Pedro as Chief Strategy Officer

The Venture Center (VC) Board of Directors and staff welcome Chief Strategy Officer, Mimi San Pedro to its leadership team. With over 30 years of experience across information, technology, and strategic marketing industries, Mimi San Pedro will help to galvanize the Venture Center’s growth, driving key initiatives that serve the entrepreneurial and corporate innovation sectors.

Applications Now Open for 2019 FIS FinTech Accelerator
Applications Now Open for 2019 FIS FinTech Accelerator

Key facts

  • For the fourth consecutive year, 10 FinTech startups will be challenged to create next-generation financial technology.

  • Startups will receive in-depth mentoring and feedback from FIS executive leadership along with a monetary investment.

  • The deadline for applications to the 2019 FIS FinTech Accelerator is Feb. 9.

 
 

Get Involved

Venture Center Partners add powerful industry expertise by offering hands-on mentorship, business development opportunities, and access to resources to help accelerate startups. Don’t miss the opportunity to network with entrepreneurs to help fuel business growth and achieve innovation goals.

 

Attend an event

Learn more about all the resources available in Arkansas by attending Lift the Rock, a monthly luncheon series dedicated to inspiring the Little Rock business community.

Volunteer opportunities

Each year we hosts hundreds of events that would not be possible without the help of our volunteers. Grow our community by volunteering.

join our mentorship program

We are now accepting applications for our 2019 class of mentors and protégés. Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with lifelong relationships among professionals in your industry.

 

Socialize with Us

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