Arkansas APEX Accelerator’s Oct. 7 virtual event to celebrate real-world entrepreneurs’ successes
Oct. 1, 2026
By Mary Hightower
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- APEX Accelerator Day includes government contracting workshop
- Participants may register online
- No cost to attend
(350 words)
DOWNLOAD APEX Accelerator logo, portrait of Kenneth Griffin
LITTLE ROCK — Join Arkansas APEX Accelerator on Oct. 7 for a virtual event introducing entrepreneurs to government contracting and celebrating real-world small business successes.
Kenneth Griffin, a procurement counselor with Arkansas APEX Accelerator, will be leading the workshop, “Cash, Capital & Contracts—The Entrepreneur's Guide to Growth.” Griffin brings more than a decade of experience in high-value, high-risk contract development and evaluation.
The event runs from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. CDT, and participants may register online. There is no cost to attend.
Since its inception in 1988, Arkansas APEX Accelerator has helped businesses achieve more than $2 billion in government contracts. It is part of a nationwide APEX network that helps businesses compete successfully in the government marketplace.
Arkansas APEX Accelerator is part of the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and teaching arm of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture. The program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense.
National APEX Day, observed Oct. 8, recognizes the impact of more than 250 APEX Accelerator locations across the United States and its territories.
“Access to capital and strong financial management are critical components of success in the government marketplace,” said Tina Hunter, deputy program manager of the Arkansas APEX Accelerator. “Entrepreneurs shouldn’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, build financial knowledge, and learn how to position a small business for greater readiness, competitiveness, and growth in government contracting.”
The event will also celebrate APEX clients and partners and introduce its new counselor, Davin Ryles. Ryles comes to Arkansas APEX Accelerator with experience in federal lending and financial analysis across many sectors, including agriculture.
Other events
Arkansas APEX Accelerator will be celebrating Oct. 5-9. Follow along on the APEX Accelerator’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
Arkansas APEX Accelerator will also hold an event on Oct. 8 at Little Rock Air Force Base, but registration is required for participation. Registration and other details are available online
Arkansas APEX Accelerator serves Arkansas businesses in all 75 counties at no charge from offices in Little Rock, Bentonville and Jonesboro. Learn more about APEX Accelerator’s services online.
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 UADA
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.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, UADA offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Nick Kordsmeier
nkordsme@uada.edu