THE Summit

Startups | Education | Economic Development

October 11 - 12, 2022
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Let's be honest...The higher education landscape is changing.

Universities must innovate how they attract and educate students to stay viable in the next decade. In addition, economic development trends are changing as communities are shifting from recruiting large industries and moving towards entrepreneurial support. This shift in economic development strategy is an opportunity for universities across the state to collaborate with their local community leaders to leverage resources and grow student entrepreneurs. These partnerships will contribute to the attraction and retention of multi-disciplinary students and keep entrepreneurial talent local.

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation is an example of how empowering student entrepreneurs contribute to increased university enrollment and new venture starts in the regional community. In partnership with the Sam M. Walton College of Business, OEI is hosting the inaugural SEED Summit with the purpose of providing a platform for academic and community collaboration to advance entrepreneurial ecosystem building across the state.

Attendees will experience:

Entrepreneurial program design tools that develop impactful student startups
Testimonials of student entrepreneurs and community founders
Knowledge sharing on best practices across multiple Arkansas regions
Small group discussions resulting in actionable next steps to start entrepreneurial initiatives in local institutions.

Session topics include:

Why entrepreneurial ecosystem building is important for institutions of higher education
Entrepreneurial mindset and innovative problem solving
How to engage local businesses to bridge the town and gown divide
The community’s role in building a collaborative ecosystem
Funding strategies to implement entrepreneurial programming

SUMMIT FAQs:

Who should attend?

Faculty leaders who are involved in entrepreneurship, business, innovation, or related topics
University staff who are involved in student program development
Chamber executives who engage in community development activities
Economic developers who support small business and startup development
Municipal leaders who want to learn more about entrepreneurial ecosystem building

What is the cost?

The registration fee is $75 and includes the following:

One night lodging at The Graduate in Fayetteville on October 11, 2022
All meals during the duration of the event
Networking reception and admittance to the Seed Fund Pitch Contest

Our aim is for the SEED Summit to be accessible and for the cost not to be a hindrance to participation. Limited complementary registrations are available. For more information contact Tiffany Henry at tahenry@uark.edu.

Where will the SEED Summit take place?

The Summit will take place in downtown Fayetteville. The conference sessions will be held at the Fayetteville Public Library and lodging provided at The Graduate.

Is there a virtual option available?

No, there is no virtual option to attend the Summit. However, the session presentations will be recorded and available to view after the program completion.

How do I register?

Deadline for 2022 registrations is September 16. For registration information please contact Tiffany Henry at tahenry@uark.edu.

LINK TO SUMMIT AGENDA

To find out more information about the SEED Arkansas Summit, email Tiffany Henry at tahenry@uark.edu.

The SEED Summit is sponsored by the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

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