Power Up Little Rock is hosted by the Chamber and presented by Arvest Bank. This quarterly series highlights important economic development trends, issues and developments within the region and the state.

Entrepreneurship is alive and well in Arkansas. Join Arthur Orduña, executive director for The Venture Center, on Monday, March 27th at noon for a discussion about unique opportunities for entrepreneurs in Arkansas. Since 2016, The Venture Center has fueled innovation in Arkansas and around the world. They’ve successfully done so by partnering with entrepreneurs, corporations, universities, government agencies, non-profits, venture funds, service providers, program alumni, and other organizations to educate, collaborate and accelerate.

Their most recent impact report confirms their approach works. From 2019 to 2021, The Venture Center’s accelerators generated a total economic impact of $13.9 million in the State of Arkansas, with an $11.2 million impact in Pulaski County alone. The economic well-being of Arkansas’s communities relies on innovative and visionary leaders and access to resources that will help them succeed. Mentorship, education, and seed capital are just a few of the critical components to long-term success, and The Venture Center is working to provide these and more through its network of partnerships and impactful programming. Because of this work, our state has a unique front-row seat to recruiting and nurturing innovative businesses across industries like health and education technology, financial technology, cybersecurity and so much more.

Meet our speaker

Arthur Orduña
The Venture Center

Arthur Orduña became the third executive director of The Venture Center in 2023, bringing more than two decades of innovative leadership experience across a diverse set of industries to the Arkansas-based entrepreneurial support organization. Now, leading a talented team of individuals committed to inspiring social and economic change in Arkansas and around the world, Orduña adds his unique perspective to The Venture Center’s network of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to build on Arkansas's reputation as a tech hub with a dynamic future. His proven track record includes developing innovative new technology products and partnerships and launching disruptive new services for entities ranging from early-stage start-ups to Fortune 500 public companies. Before joining The Venture Center, Orduña was the chief innovation officer for Circumference Group, a unique, operationally-focused investment firm. In this role, he facilitated engagement with entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders in the early-stage technology ecosystem. He continues to lead early-stage ventures for Circumference Group, in collaboration with The Venture Center to increase investment capital opportunities for Arkansas and regional entrepreneurs.

For more information or registration issues, please contact Stacy Wilson at 501.377.6004 or swilson@littlerockchamber.com.

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