BUILD Academy
Through practical instruction, experienced facilitators, mentorship, and meaningful networking opportunities, BUILD Academy empowers entrepreneurs with the resources and connections needed to build stronger businesses and contribute to a thriving local economy.
BUILD stands for Businesses United in Leadership Development. BUILD Academy is a free, multi-week business development program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to launch, manage, and grow successful businesses. The program offers two learning tracks to meet entrepreneurs where they are in their business journey:
Foundations Track – Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners who are building a strong business foundation. Participants explore business planning, legal structures, marketing, financial fundamentals, operations, and other essential topics needed to successfully start and sustain a business.
Advanced Track – Designed for established business owners who are ready to strengthen operations, increase profitability, prepare for growth, and compete for new opportunities. Participants focus on strategic planning, financial management, procurement readiness, business resilience, leadership, and pitch development.
Why BUILD Academy Matters?
BUILD matters because it connects potential with opportunity. Throughout Little Rock, an entrepreneurial spirit lives; however, not all parts of Little Rock have the resources and knowledge to turn an idea into a wealth-generating, healthy business. Through intentional location and design – as the front door for entrepreneurship in Little Rock south of I-630 – BUILD aims to create opportunity.
Where is the BUILD Academy?
The Small Business Development Office will host the BUILD Academy at the historic Willie Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center. Additionally, BUILD will have satellite locations at local Parks & Recreation Community Centers and Housing & Neighborhood Programs Resource Centers throughout the city to create a hyper-local opportunity for businesses to thrive and collaborate.
How can you join BUILD Academy?
Apply here. For more information, contact the Small Business Development Office at LRSmallBusiness@littlerock.gov or 501-379-1555.
