Community Events

Are you ready to witness the next big idea in action? Join us for Pitch 'N Pint, a thrilling Shark Tank-style business pitch competition where early-stage entrepreneurs battle it out for a cash prize of up to $500! Whether you're a startup enthusiast, a potential investor, or just love cheering on fresh, innovative ideas, this is the perfect night out.

Watch as participants—dreamers with new concepts and founders of early-stage businesses—step up to the challenge with only 60 seconds to impress a panel of expert judges and a crowd buzzing with excitement. It’s fast-paced, fun, and full of energy, making for an unforgettable evening that could mark the launch of the next big business venture.

Did we mention there will be beer? It wouldn't be Pitch 'N PINT without it!

Mark your calendars! The competition takes place on Thursday August 6th, at 6 PM at Southern Tail Brewery. Apply now for the pitch competition or visit our Eventbrite link to get tickets to the pitch competition!

Join us on July 8 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM for our next Member Speaker Series Lunch & Learn featuring Alese Johnston. In her session, Why Building Community Around Your Startup Matters More Than Most Founders Expect, Alese will explore one of the most overlooked drivers of startup success: community. She'll discuss how community helps reduce founder isolation, builds trust faster than traditional marketing, creates unexpected opportunities, and fosters a sense of belonging that goes beyond simply building an audience. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for cultivating meaningful connections and building a stronger foundation for long-term growth.

Alese is an entrepreneur, investor, author, and speaker with deep roots in Arkansas's startup and innovation ecosystem. She is the founder of Fabulous70.com, co-founder of StorageTrader, and currently serves as interim Executive Director of Project Phoenix at The Forge Institute, where she works with startups, founders, and emerging defense technology initiatives. A founding board member of the Arkansas Angel Alliance, Alese brings a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, community-building, and innovation, making this a session founders and business leaders won't want to miss.

Not a member of The Venture Center yet? Join the event and learn more about our membership!