In its third year, the accelerator program promises veterans and veteran spouses critical entrepreneurial tools, mentorship, and resources
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Nov. 6, 2025) – The Venture Center, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Arkansas District Office, is now accepting applications for the third annual Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator. The program will launch in early 2026 and continue to expand its reach, with a renewed focus on increasing participation from veterans and their spouses in Northwest Arkansas. Interested veteran entrepreneurs can apply by visiting venturecenter.co.
This statewide initiative supports Arkansas businesses founded by U.S. military veterans and veteran spouses through targeted mentorship, education, and access to entrepreneurial resources. By expanding its reach in Northwest Arkansas, the program connects more veteran-owned companies with the tools and networks needed to scale their ventures. Leveraging The Venture Center’s accelerator model and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s statewide partnerships, the initiative provides practical, results-driven support that helps veterans translate their service into long-term business success.
“Our partnership with the SBA Arkansas District Office allows us to honor veteran entrepreneurs in a way that produces tangible success, as we’ve already seen with past participants,” said Daniel Schutte, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at The Venture Center. “This accelerator provides a proven framework of dedicated support and skills, helping veteran founders build successful, lasting businesses.”
Selected participants will have the opportunity to engage in a rigorous curriculum that covers topics ranging from business strategy and marketing to finance and growth planning. The program will culminate in a showcase event where participants can present their business ideas to potential investors, mentors, and partners.
Founding cohort alumna Dr. Lupita Roy of Effective Organization Management Consultant reflected on her experience: “EOMC’s partnership with The Venture Center and the SBA has been a game-changer. Thanks to the vast network of affluent stakeholders in Arkansas and the exceptional resources provided, our organization’s client portfolio has grown by an impressive 30% in under a year. This collaboration has truly elevated our impact and reach in the nonprofit sector.”
Second cohort graduate Ben Lowry, owner and operator of Northwest Arkansas Sheet Metal, shared a similar perspective: ”This cohort showed me where to look and gave me tips that were not listed on the website when it comes to gaining federal contracts. I’d recommend applying to this cohort to any Veteran who owns a small business… It is almost a guarantee that you will graduate the program with something of value.”
Since completing the program, Lowry’s company has secured more than $300,000 in contracts in 2025, underscoring the accelerator’s impact in helping veteran-owned businesses expand and compete statewide.
For more information about the Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator program and to apply, please visit the program’s page on venturecenter.co.
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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, and Instagram.