As part of our Chamber’s mission-work, we launched something new this year - the NWA Minority Business EXPO October 14 from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Metroplex Event Center in Rogers. This event was successful in creating a new entrepreneurial platform for minority-owned businesses to connect with business owners and consumers in the community; over 60 businesses exhibited to showcase their products and services. The EXPO was also a great way for the community to meet minority business owners and show support by shopping local - #ShopNWA - with them.  Several hundred attended the day’s activities.  

A Fun Day of Networking, Learning, Celebrating, and Competing for Cash Prizes
The EXPO featured local thought leaders and subject matter experts presenting professional development seminars on gaining access to capital and marketing your business, a Hispanic Heritage Celebration Happy Hour, and a fun competition for entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas to win cash prizes. The Exhibit Hall ran concurrently with other activities throughout the day providing attendees and exhibitors plenty of opportunities to visit and network.

Winners of the "IdeaFame" Elevator Pitch Competition
The IdeaFame Live Contest hosted by Startup Junkie was held to promote startups and new ideas, and to increase "creative collisions" in emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems. Thirteen contestants signed up to pitch new business, product, service, and solution ideas in 60 seconds with no slides or notes for a chance to win cash prizes. The audience selected the People’s Choice. The Judges chose the Judges’ Choice. Each winner received a $1,000 cash prize on the spot.

The $1,000 People's Choice winner was Mirna Ordonez of Arkansas Latinas En Bici (pictured).
The $1,000 Judge's Choice winner was Carlos Diaz Calvo and his startup company Suelo (pictured).

Growing Regional Entrepreneurial Diversity
Diversity in Northwest Arkansas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to grow, and minority-owned businesses and start-ups are helping to strengthen our economy.

The Chamber would like to thank our diverse group of entrepreneurs - women, veterans, and a variety of ethnic minority groups (Hispanic/Latino, African American, Asian, Native American, etc.) as well as other cultural groups for attending this year’s EXPO.