AR: 75Strong Announces First Cohort to Drive Statewide Entrepreneurship

Conductor and Startup Junkie, in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), are excited to announce the selection of the first-ever cohort for 75Strong, a program designed to equip community leaders, chamber executives, and economic developers with the tools to foster entrepreneurship and innovation across Arkansas.

“We're thrilled by the number and quality of applications we received for 75Strong and are so excited to bring such an accomplished and motivated group of people from around the state together in one room,” said Drew Smith, 75Strong Program Director. “We're looking forward to an impactful next two years that I'm confident will result in a stronger Arkansas.”

Participants hail from all regions of the state, from the Delta to the Ouachitas, the Ozarks to the River Valley. Their collective mission is to build stronger local ecosystems and champion small business growth through innovative strategies and hands-on collaboration.

Over the next two years, the cohort will participate in a comprehensive entrepreneurial development curriculum, designed to strengthen their ability to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in their communities. A key element of the program is the pursuit of the Entrepreneurial Development Professional (EDP) certification from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This credential will position participants as leaders in building entrepreneurial ecosystems and fostering small business success.

In addition to earning the EDP credential, participants will:

• Develop strategic plans for their communities or regions to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth.
• Recruit over 100 small businesses statewide to participate in a business-building curriculum focused on growth and job creation.
• Collaborate with fellow participants to create entrepreneurial coalitions and networks that sustain long-term development efforts.

“75Strong is a key part of our economic development strategy, helping equip economic developers and community leaders to provide assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Congratulations to the leaders who were selected to participate in the first 75Strong cohort. These leaders will play a major role in helping grow our small business and entrepreneurship ecosystem in Arkansas.”

The launch of this inaugural cohort marks a significant step in building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem across Arkansas. With its commitment to empowering local leaders and creating opportunities for small businesses, 75Strong is setting the stage for sustainable economic growth. As these participants embark on this journey, they carry the potential to leave a lasting impact, not only in their communities but across the state as a whole.

For more information about the 75Strong program, visit 75strongarkansas.com.