Our start up programs provide community, education, connections, and mentorship to empower any entrepreneur to take a leap into the start up journey. At the Venture Center, we believe in equipping entrepreneurs with the tools they need to launch, encourage inclusivity and diversity, and cultivate life-changing connections.
Creating marketing that makes you money doesn't have to be hard or expensive. In this VC Workshop, instructor Schell Gower will teach you how to create the perfect message to gain customers and attract investors.
Join us with one of the portfolio companies from our ICBA Thinktech Accelerator program, CRiskCo to learn Artificial Intelligence effect businesses today and how can you make it work for you.
Enjoy learning about resources available through ASBTDC over lunch at the Venture Center and get ready to be inspired by the startup story of Little Rock’s premier pet resort and spa, Hounds Lounge!
Get a glimpse into the future of community banking as the 2019 portfolio company founders present to a crowd of banking executives, business leaders and investors. Together, this forward-focused community innovating community banking and the future of fintech!
Beer, wine and other refreshments will be served.
Protégés accepted into the program will have the chance to meet the mentors participating in the 2019 class. At the end of the lunch and networking event, protégés will be asked to submit their top three mentor choices. This will aid The Venture Center’s selection committee in choosing the right mentor for for each participant.
*This is a closed event for those accepted into the Mentorship Program for 2019. To apply to participate in this program, click here.
Whether you’re a talented, proven, seasoned professional who has a passion for guiding local young talent or you’re looking for a coach to navigate your career, our VC mentorship program is for you! The Venture Center is dedicated to helping professionals in all stages of their careers grow. Sometimes this “growth” can mean giving back. Our Mentor program does both by matching professionals who are looking for career coaching with seasoned executives in the Little Rock area. Twenty Protégés and twenty mentors are accepted into the nine-month program that begins each year in March and ends in November.
Applications for Mentors and Protégés are accepted for review starting in early January. All applicants are then accepted into the program based on several factors:
Interests – Does the mentor have relevant experience in a variety of disciplines to provide direction on career goals, industry and work focus?
Attitude – Does the Protégé have the ambition and drive to fully participate in the program for the entire term, and drive their success through the program offerings?
Location – can both applicants meet regularly in-person within the Central Arkansas area?
This is an exclusive program within the Venture Center. Protégés benefit from one-on-one mentoring from directors and executives throughout the term of the program. In addition, there are four main events that help further the group participants in their career developments.
Networking – establish a great, relevant base for ongoing networking. The relationships that develop through this program never end. Mentors and Protégés keep in touch for years after the program year is completed.
Learning – Mentors present their personal experience and career observations on topics picked by the Protégés at group events through a panel discussion. These insights into the next stage of your career help you grow while avoiding the pitfalls.
We will be accepting applications for the 2019 program from February 2019 - March 8, 2019.
