The community is invited to learn more about entrepreneurship and how it can be an effective economic development activity during a special event Tuesday evening, July 17, from 6:30-8:30, at Marilyn’s Clogging on the Court Square in downtown Pocahontas. The event will highlight entrepreneurs around the Court Square in a panel discussion moderated by Matt Hampton of Elevate Entrepreneurship, a Little Rock-based firm committed to growing entrepreneurship around the state.
“I think it is pretty amazing to look at our Court Square and to realize the extent of entrepreneurial businesses and services we have,” said Dr. Wayne Hatcher, BRTC President. This event is sponsored by Black River Technical College, and represents a commitment by the college to undertake an Entrepreneurship initiative as a part of its mission in support of economic development.
“When you walk around the square, you see that practically every available space is now occupied—by entrepreneurs of all types,” he continued. “We think this is impressive, and has the potential to encourage other such development throughout our region.” He added that future such events will focus on entrepreneurs in other parts of the community. BRTC also will begin working with the Paragould community in a similar activity, Hatcher added.
The event, which will include refreshments, entertainment, and displays of local wares, is designed to help community leaders better understand the role entrepreneurship can play as an economic development strategy, to consider ways the community can support entrepreneurs, and to provide valuable information to those interested in developing their own entrepreneurial businesses in and around the community. Several representatives of downtown Pocahontas businesses founded by entrepreneurs will share their stories, including the challenges and rewards of business development, ownership, and operation.
This event will be followed up with an entrepreneurship workshop August 15 from noon to 3 targeting interested community members and BRTC faculty members who are working to incorporate aspects of entrepreneurism into their courses and programs of study.