LITTLE ROCK, AR (July 8, 2016) - Mark Stodola, the Mayor of Little Rock, will be hosting the Mayor’s Summit on Entrepreneurship in Little Rock on July 21 and 22. The summit will be held in partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation of Kansas City and the Venture Center in Little Rock, along with sponsors Acxiom, Winrock International and the Delta Regional Authority. The summit will gather a group of local leaders and entrepreneurs in a community forum that is aimed toward spurring job creation, entrepreneurial thinking, and economic growth. 

“Building a vibrant system of support and resources is critical for a city to not only encourage entrepreneurs but to help them stay and grow,” said Evan Absher, program officer at the Kauffman Foundation. “We are excited to partner with Mayor Stodola to bring this collaborative approach to entrepreneurial growth to Little Rock and Arkansas.”

The summit is open to the public and there is no registration fee; however, advanced registration is required. Please fill out the summit registration form HERE.The Summit will begin on Friday, July 22, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. at the Acxiom building with a welcome reception for participants Thursday evening, July 21.

The event will be headlined by keynote speaker, Trey Bowles, the founder and CEO of the Dallas Entrepreneur Center and the co-founder of the Dallas Innovation Center. The Summit will consist of panel discussions led by economic developers and entrepreneurship experts on topics such as “Developing a Vibrant Entrepreneurial Ecosystem” and “Entrepreneurship and the Role of Economic Development.” 

“Entrepreneurship is a key component of economic growth in Little Rock and other communities,” said Mayor Stodola. “Bringing together a diverse and experienced group of government and business leaders will allow for collaboration, learning opportunities, and innovation in cities throughout Arkansas.”

For more information, email pdickerson@littlerock.gov or call 501-371-6801. Full link for registration form: http://goo.gl/forms/WDeJKft1JU6ZrpBy2.

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