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The City of Cabot’s Small Business Boot Camp has officially kicked off, with participants set for six weeks of valuable development and support as they prepare for a Shark Tank-style pitch competition at the end of October.
The in-person program is aimed at first-time entrepreneurs, local business owners and anyone in need of help as they go through the process of opening a business in the Natural State. The city is partnering with Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), financial services firm Pinnacle Advisors and Arkansas Money & Politics magazine to make the program free for all participants.
Entrepreneurs who attend a minimum of two sessions will be able to put their newfound knowledge and skills to the test in a Shark Tank-style pitch competition on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at the C&C On the Lake event center in Cabot. AY Media Group President and Publisher Heather Baker will serve as a special guest judge at the event.
“This program is a huge opportunity for anyone with a great concept or idea for their small business,” Baker said. “They’ll have the chance to train over several weeks with industry experts and get insights from a great team of professionals. And with everything included in the prize package, the winner will have access to a spotlight and a platform that usually takes years to build.”
That prize, worth $75,000, includes a $25,000 feature package from Arkansas Money & Politics; a $36,000 CFO services package from Pinnacle Advisors; a $4,000 legal package from Barber Law; and a $10,000 cash prize.
“So many communities across the state are investing more and more in small businesses,” Baker added. “That support is crucial because it inspires more people to start a life here knowing they’ll be able to grow their business and thrive. It really speaks to the economic development of Arkansas as a whole. ”
Rounding out the “Sharks” on the judges panel are Marshall D. Butler and Victor Werley of Pinnacle Advisors; First Arkansas Bank & Trust VP and Senior Commercial Loan Officer David Hazeslip; and Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade.
“The City of Cabot is proud to provide this resource to encourage the efforts and ideas of entrepreneurs in our community and beyond,” Mayor Kincade said. “Our goal is to make Cabot a place where business leaders can have a strong foundation for success. Through programs like this, we can accomplish this goal by helping make their dreams come true. It is OK to dream big, and we will always welcome big dreamers to our community.”
Butler and Werley stressed their firm’s unwavering commitment to empowering local entrepreneurship, both for the benefit of small business owners and the communities they serve.
“Arkansas, with its welcoming business environment, diverse talent pool and access to resources, offers an ideal ecosystem for nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering long-term business success,” Werley said.
“By supporting this event, we aim to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and provide them with the resources and mentorship needed to turn their innovative ideas into successful enterprises,” Butler added. “Our involvement is rooted in the belief that when small businesses thrive, so does our community.”
The next session takes place on Sept. 19, with upcoming sessions scheduled for Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10 at the Veterans Park Community Center, 508 N. Lincoln St. in Cabot. Each session runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. More information and sign-up details can be found online.
Photo Credit: City of Cabot Facebook
READ ALSO: SMALL BUSINESS BOOT CAMP SET TO KICK OFF SIX-WEEK PROGRAM IN CABOT
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