Extension to host Arkansas Veterans' Business Summit Nov. 13
Event open to all veterans looking to start or expand a business
Nov. 3, 2026
By Tracy Courage
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Event is free; lunch provided
- Provides information about counseling, capital and contracts
- A dozen agencies participating
- Register by Nov. 10: https://arapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/2569.
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Download art from previous summit
LITTLE ROCK — Arkansas military veterans looking to start or expand their business will find resources at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s Arkansas Veterans' Business Summit on Nov. 13 in Little Rock.
The summit will take place 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Service state office, 2301 S. University Ave. in Little Rock. The summit is free to attend, and lunch will be provided. Online registration is required and is available at https://arapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/2569
The annual event gives Arkansas veterans who own businesses a chance to expand their professional networks, exchange ideas, develop strategic partnerships, and connect with organizations and decision-makers who can provide resources, guidance and support.
"Today’s small business environment presents unique challenges, making collaboration among veteran-owned businesses more important than ever,” said Tim Hicks, a procurement counselor with Extension’s Arkansas APEX Accelerator, part of a national network that helps businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace. “By sharing experiences, lessons learned, successes, and challenges, veteran entrepreneurs can strengthen their businesses, build valuable connections, and better prepare for future opportunities."
Eric Nelson, a veteran and owner of Little Rock-based Nelson Intelligence Solutions, will be the keynote speaker. The event will also feature a veteran business panel discussion and time to network with more than a dozen partnering agencies.
“Helping our military veterans grow their businesses is just one of the ways the Division of Agriculture is helping Arkansans build strategic partnerships that support a competitive and evolving economy,” said John Anderson, director of the Cooperative Extension Service, UADA’s educational outreach arm. “When those businesses grow, the benefits reach far beyond the owner. They create jobs, keep dollars circulating in local economies, strengthen supply chains, and add to the vitality of Main Streets in communities across Arkansas.”
This year’s partners:
- 19th Contracting Squadron at Little Rock Air Force Base
- Arkansas Division of Emergency Management
- Arkansas Economic Development Commission
- Arkansas National Guard Purchasing Office
- Arkansas Small Business Technology Development Center
- City of Little Rock
- Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency
- Cyberspace Operations Research and Education Center at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Arkansas Office of State Procurement
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Little Rock District
- U.S. Small Business Administration - Arkansas District
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock, and the Veterans Business Outreach Center
To learn about the Arkansas APEX Accelerator, visit uaex.uada.edu/APEX. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, UADA conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
UADA is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three university campuses.
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact Tim Hicks at 501-671-2227 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
Media Contact: Tracy Courage
Director of Communications-Extension
U of A Division of Agriculture
501-658-2044