Entrepreneurs Invited to Develop and Pitch Ideas During The Venture Center’s April Startup Weekend 

Posted on March 15, 2023
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (March, 15 2023) — Entrepreneurs in Central Arkansas and beyond are invited to participate in Techstars Startup Weekend, a unique opportunity to develop and pitch new business ideas hosted by The Venture Center. The event will be held from 6:30 pm, April 14 to 8:00 pm, April 16 at the Little Rock Technology Park located at 417 Main Street. 

 

The event is open to all, and people with any level of experience in entrepreneurship are encouraged to join. Expert mentors and facilitators will guide participants in developing business solutions in HealthTech, AgTech, EdTech and community affairs to help them gain a deeper understanding of pitching, business model creation, prototyping, designing and market validation. More information can be found here. 

 

“An event like this is critical to fueling innovative thinkers who are determined to succeed, but are still in search of resources and support to move their business ideas forward,” said Arthur Orduña, executive director of The Venture Center. “Entrepreneurs who are now leading billion-dollar companies have participated in events identical to this, and we’re excited to uncover and uplift the potential here in Central Arkansas.” 

 

Zapier, a workflow automation company in Columbia, Missouri, and EquipmentShare, a construction equipment rental agency in Little Rock, are both proven success stories and products of identical Startup Weekends. 

 

Over the course of the weekend, teams will compete for the $2,500 prize in each category and present to a panel of judges including:

 

  • Jeston George, Apptegy
  • Dr. Kevin W. Sexton, University of Arkansas Medical Sciences
  • Chad Brown, Circumference Group
  • Dr. Angela Kremers, University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College
  • Dr. Christine Cotton, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

 

Following a successful event in August 2022 hosted by Startup Junkie in Northwest Arkansas, The Venture Center is excited to bring the startup weekend event back to Central Arkansas for the first time since 2017. To learn more, view the schedule, or register, visit the event’s website

 

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About The Venture Center
The Venture Center is a globally recognized Arkansas-based Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) that helps entrepreneurs turn their start-ups into viable, high-growth businesses. By leveraging the expertise of a world-class team of mentors, intensive programming, and introductions to the investor community, The Venture Center serves as an engine for economic growth in Arkansas and beyond.  Learn more at www.venturecenter.co. Follow The Venture Center on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter(@VentureCenter), and Instagram.

About Techstars Startup Weekend
Learn how to think, work and build like a startup. In 54 thrilling hours. Techstars Startup Weekend is an exciting and immersive foray into the world of startups. Over an action-packed three days, you’ll meet the very best mentors, investors, co-founders and sponsors to show you how to get more done faster — and, maybe even start that business. 

About Startup Junkie
Startup Junkie is a team of passionate people working every day to help entrepreneurs win and communities thrive. We exist to educate, inspire, and support entrepreneurs and innovators through no-cost, one-on-one consulting; events, workshops, and programs; and access to capital and talent.