Spark! Meet the Founder | Miya Blackmon, Little Rock Lightning

Welcome to our Spark! Meet the Founder series, where we introduce you to the amazing entrepreneurs who are participating in our Spark! 2021 program with a quick Q&A!

Spark!  is a small business pre-accelerator that puts the right people, opportunities, and access in place for local entrepreneurs in Arkansas to grow their venture to the next level. 

Please meet Miya Blackmon, co-owner of The Little Rock Lightning! The Little Rock Lightning is a professional basketball team that focuses on providing a professional basketball experience to the Little Rock community, fans, and business partners.

The Venture Center: Why did you become an entrepreneur? 

Blackmon: We became entrepreneurs because we wanted to see a difference in our city. We want to come up with new ways to put our talents on spotlight here in Little Rock while also engaging the community.

TVC: What problem does your business solve? 

Blackmon: For basketball players, we give them a second chance and job opportunities to do what they love. For fans, we provide entertainment and family outings. For our sponsors, we help them with marketing and advertising their business. 

TVC: What are your hopes for your future as an entrepreneur? 

Blackmon: Our goal is to be blessed to be a blessing. Our goal for Little Rock Lighting is to be affiliated with the NBA or big enough to sustain a professional basketball team here in Little Rock, Arkansas.

TVC: What are you most proud of and/or what is your biggest challenge in your entrepreneurial journey? 

Blackmon: We are most proud of making it through our first year/ season as a professional basketball team. Our biggest challenge right now is not having enough brand awareness. 

Huge thanks to Miya Blackmon for participating in Spark! We can’t wait to see your business grow! Sign up for our newsletter and follow The Venture Center on social media to keep up with our Spark! 2021 cohort!