Conductor

Summer might slow down for some people, but for most entrepreneurs, the work keeps going.

The challenges don't stop showing up. The questions don't stop coming. And the search for growth, solutions, and the next opportunity never really takes a season off.

That's why our Subject Matter Experts are here.

Whether you're working through a legal question, refining your marketing strategy, navigating business banking, improving sales, tackling tax questions, developing your team, or planning for growth, we have experienced professionals who want to help.

Our June SME lineup is filled with experts who have been where you are and are ready to share their knowledge, perspective, and advice.

You don't have to figure everything out on your own. Book a meeting, ask the question, and take advantage of one of the most valuable resources available to entrepreneurs in our community. Oh.. and it's all at NO COST!! https://arconductor.org/conductorconnect/

Last week we wrapped up our final spring workshop with Austin Malone’s session, What No One Taught You About Business: Taxes 👏

Austin did a great job breaking down tax topics in a way that was practical, approachable, and genuinely helpful for business owners navigating the realities of running a business. We’re grateful for people like him who are willing to share their expertise and invest their time into supporting entrepreneurs in our community.

We also got to celebrate a huge milestone for Austin, recently becoming Partner at Zee Barfoot, CPA 🎉 We surprised him with a little cake at the workshop and loved getting the chance to recognize such a big accomplishment.

We’re proud to have Austin as part of the AIC community and grateful for the many ways he continues to support founders through workshops, SME sessions, and his involvement in the entrepreneurial ecosystem here in Central Arkansas.

If you missed the workshop or came and want to learn more from Austin, book a no cost consult with him next month! https://arconductor.org/conductorconnect/austin-malone/

We had a great time at our Spring Social last week spending time with the entrepreneurs and business owners that make the AIC such a special place. Events like this are a reminder that building a business is better when you’re surrounded by people who understand the journey and want to see each other succeed.

Huge thank you to AIC member Tony Pavan's Shadrachs Coffee cart for keeping everyone caffeinated ☕

If you’re an entrepreneur in Central Arkansas looking for a community to build alongside, come check out the Arnold Innovation Center. https://arconductor.org/aic/

Last week we wrapped up Cohort 8 of the Healthcare Innovation Sprint 👏

It was four days packed with energy, new ideas, meaningful connections, and a whole lot of collaboration. Students from across Arkansas spent the week tackling real healthcare challenges alongside mentors, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs before wrapping it all up with an exciting Demo Night where teams pitched their solutions to a live audience and panel of judges.

Congratulations to our winning team for their “PreventHer” solution 💡 and to every team that poured so much hard work, creativity, and effort into the week. The growth and innovation we saw from these students was incredible.

A huge thank you to our amazing mentors for investing their time and guidance into these students throughout the week, and to our panel of judges for listening to each pitch, asking thoughtful questions, and helping select the winning team.

This program wouldn’t be possible without the support of so many partners, experts, and leaders from across the state who continue to show up and invest in the next generation of innovators. We’re incredibly grateful to get to do this work alongside all of you.

There’s a lot being built in this community… and this is your chance to see it 👏

Join us for our Small Business Showcase Luncheon, where local founders and business owners will each take the mic for 60–90 seconds to share what they’re building, what they offer, and what makes their business unique.

Whether you’re looking to discover new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, or just stay connected to what’s happening around Conway, this is a fun and easy way to plug in.

Lunch will be provided! Bring your friends, coworkers, or family and come support the people building great things in our community. RSVP today! https://luma.com/qs8f5zcv

Days two and three of the Healthcare Innovation Sprint have been packed with collaboration, problem-solving, customer discovery, and BIG ideas ⚕️💡

Over the last two days, students from 12 colleges and universities across Arkansas have formed teams, selected real healthcare problems to focus on, conducted research and customer validation with professionals throughout Conway Regional Health System, and worked alongside mentors from across the state to help shape and strengthen their ideas.

These students aren’t working on hypothetical classroom projects, they’re developing innovative solutions tied to real challenges happening in healthcare right now.

Today, they’ll take the stage at Demo Day to pitch the solutions they’ve spent the week building. It’s always one of the most energizing events of the year, and we’d love for the community to come support these students and see what they’ve created.

Food and drinks will be provided, and you’ll get the chance to hear fresh ideas from some incredibly talented students from across the state. Come support the next generation of innovators ⚡ RSVP today! https://luma.com/fpxugoeo