LITTLE ROCK – The City of Little Rock will host its inaugural Economic OpportUNITY Summit and Expo next week, emphasizing collaboration and innovation among businesses to promote economic growth and equity in Arkansas's capital city.

The event is Tuesday, Aug. 15, and Wednesday, Aug. 16, with scheduled sessions at the Willie L. Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center, 3805 W. 12th St. and the nearby 12th Street Station, 3917 W. 12th St.

Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., announced plans for the first-ever Summit during his State of the City address earlier this year, encouraging business and community leaders to join the City in being catalysts for transformative economic change in Little Rock.

"Equity is more than just a buzzword in my administration, and we are actively seeking ways we can foster economic inclusivity and sustainable economic growth," Mayor Scott said. "I'm eager to see the impact of this Summit and Expo as we bring together entrepreneurs, financial institutions, procurement teams and others focused on economic equity."

The Summit will feature interactive panel discussions and speakers, with the Expo offering a platform for local industries to connect with businesses regarding contracting opportunities and small businesses to engage with bankers and technical assistance programs.. 

The Summit and Expo will highlight Little Rock as a hub for innovation and enterprise. The focus on industry, small and diverse businesses, financial institutions and public entities will help advance a sustainable, robust economic environment that benefits everyone.

The Summit and Expo are free, but registration is required. Click here to register.

The event is hosted by the City of Little Rock and its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, as well as the Little Rock Regional Chamber and an alliance of community stakeholders.