innovate arkansas

Entrepreneurs meeting at the Arkansas Venture Forum in Little Rock Wednesday didn't seem fazed at the prospects of starting a new business in the current dismal national economy.

"As I talk with my venture funds, those that are just entering the market right now that have capital, it's a wonderful time to invest," Michael Tharp of Cimarron Capital Group said.

Many of the state's entrepreneurs, small business leaders, venture capitalists and service providers met to discuss how they have funded and maintained their businesses in the two tumultuous years since the forum last took place.

Turnout this year was good, according to Grey Williams, chairman of the event. He estimates that between pre-registrants and walk-ups, about 200 attended.

"We've seen a good mix of entrepreneurs. We've had investors here that have never been here before," Williams said. "We have really focused on those two audiences: Education for the entrepreneurs, and the investors getting to see some of the best companies that Arkansas has to offer in terms of the early-stage, high-growth kind of companies."

Panels Shed Light on Funding, Structuring

The conference featured three panel discussions, all aimed at assisting entrepreneurs in their journey toward business growth. "Gazelle 101: Key Elements of a Fundable Business Plan," focused on why entrepreneurs need to have a plan for their business, as well as "the proper gear" necessary for taking on outside capital.

The second panel, "Financial Fodder for Your Gazelle: Finding & Structuring Investment in Your Company," continued the National Geographic motif of up-and-coming entrepreneurs cast as gazelles surviving in a hungry market.

The panel talked about how a company can determine which type of capital will provide the best fit in the current economy and how to structure an outside capital investment.