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Venture Center Marks 10th Anniversary, Announces Inaugural Cohort for Veteran-Owned Business Accelerator

Entrepreneurs News
Posted on November 9, 2023
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In partnership with the Arkansas Small Business Administration, the accelerator program promises veterans critical entrepreneurial tools, mentorship, and resources

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Nov. 9, 2023) – As the nation prepares to honor its military veterans on Veterans Day, The Venture Center, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Arkansas District Office, today revealed the inaugural cohort for its new Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator while recognizing 10 years of economic impact in Arkansas. 

This program is a significant move to foster veteran entrepreneurship in Arkansas, championing the entrepreneurial spirit of U.S. military veterans and providing them with tailored resources for business growth and success.

Daniel Schutte, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at The Venture Center shared, “We’re excited to announce this dynamic group of veteran-owned businesses as part of our inaugural accelerator cohort. These entrepreneurs represent the resilience and innovative spirit of our nation’s veterans, and this program is designed to give them a specialized platform to grow and succeed in today’s competitive marketplace.”

The inaugural cohort of the Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator includes:

  • Tice Construction – A leader in construction and project management.
  • The Flying Company – Innovators in the aviation service industry.
  • Reelyfe Solutions – A leading HR consulting and Equal Employment Advocacy firm. 
  • Razor City IT – Specialists in migrations, cloud technologies, and business productivity IT solutions.
  • CDL Hunter – Recruitment specialists for trucking companies.
  • Food Recycling Solutions – Pioneers in sustainable and eco-friendly food waste management.
  • Effective Organization Management Consultant – A consultancy assisting nonprofits to raise funds to support and increase their impact.
  • Collins Media – A creative force in digital marketing and media production.
  • AR Shades Blinds and Shutters – Providing innovative window treatment solutions for homes and offices.

“The SBA Arkansas District Office is committed to supporting the entrepreneurial efforts of our nation’s veterans,” said Jerry Talbert, Deputy District Director of the SBA Arkansas District. “This accelerator is a testament to our dedication to providing veterans with opportunities not just to start businesses, but to thrive in their ventures.”

The program offers a comprehensive curriculum, mentorship, and resources, culminating in a showcase event where cohort members can present their businesses to a network of potential investors and partners. 

This launch coincides with The Venture Center’s 10-year anniversary, a significant milestone highlighting its substantial economic impact on Central Arkansas. Over the past decade, The Venture Center has been a catalyst for regional economic growth, contributing an impressive $30 million in total economic impact. Its efforts have led to the creation of 121 jobs by Arkansas companies, the launch of three unicorn companies, and an astounding $2.5 billion in total investment capital raised across all Accelerator cohorts. Moreover, The Venture Center boasts an impressive 85% success rate, with the majority of its curated companies either still operating or having been acquired. This track record of success underscores The Venture Center’s pivotal role in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem and its commitment to driving innovation and economic prosperity in Arkansas.

For more information about the Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator or the Venture Center’s programs, please visit venturecenter.co.

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.