The 44th annual MED Week\, September 21-25< /strong>\, will be filled with unique events and networking opportunities designed to celebrate the outstanding achievements of minority entrepreneu rs in our region while also providing tools and opportunities for all mino rity business owners to grow and expand. \;The week's activities inclu de the much-anticipated annual awards ceremony.
Nominations are open from June 1st to June 19th for the following categories:
Regional Emerging Minority Business of the Year
Regional Outstanding Minority Young Professional of the Year
Regional Minority-Led Nonprofit of the Year
Nominate your favorite of these today!
LOCATION: SUMMARY:MED Week Nominations END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:759cc2d9-040b-4e87-80c2-74975cb8d1d8 DTSTART:20260618T110000 DTEND:20260618T111500 DESCRIPTION:Directions: \;Plaza Frida
Beside: \;Cafe Frida &\; Total Wireless
Across From: \;UALR
Contact: \;Chance Armour\, Director\; (501) 910-0531
Join the Little Rock Regional Chamber and Rex Nelson for a f orward-looking conversation on Arkansas’ place in the national landscape .
Drawing on decades of experience in journalism\, public policy\, a nd economic development\, Nelson offers a compelling perspective on Arkans as’s role in the broader American narrative\, grounding the discussion i n history and identity.
LOCATION:100 S Rock St\, Little Rock\, AR 72201\, USA SUMMARY:Land in the Rock: Arkansas 250: A Conversation with Rex Nelson END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:ff6503f5-91d3-4134-b99b-45af8801e4d1 DTSTART:20260624T173000 DTEND:20260624T193000 DESCRIPTION:Join Central Arkansas' growing community of curious minds ex
ploring the future of Artificial Intelligence. This month's meetup feature
s speaker Stuart Shirrell\, a technology leader and AI strategist focused
on practical\, real-world applications of large language models and AI inf
rastructure.
Stuart will explore how organizations and individuals
can run powerful AI tools directly on their own machines — reducing cost
s\, improving privacy\, and gaining more control over their AI future with
out relying entirely on major AI providers.
Whether you're technica
l\, creative\, in business\, or just curious about AI\, you're welcome her
e. Come to learn something new\, meet interesting people\, and walk away w
ith ideas and connections that matter.
Agenda:
5:30–6:00 — Arrival &\; networking
6:00–6:30 — Speaker prese
ntation
6:30–7:00 — Q&\;A with the speaker
7:00–7:30 — Op
en networking
Food &\; beverages included. Parking information a
vailable at \;www.intherock.ai
Take me out to the ballgame! We’re heading to Dickey‑Ste phens Ballpark on June 24 for a laid‑back evening under the lights as pa rt of our Land in the Rock series\, sponsored by Apartment Hunter s.
Grab a seat with fellow YPs as w e cheer on the Arkansas Travelers with first pitch at 6:35 PM. Whether you ’re in it for the crack of the bat or just the ballpark snacks\, it’s the perfect way to soak in summer and connect with new faces. Create Littl e Rock will have the Third Base Plaza reserved\, and food will be availabl e for all attendees.
LOCATION:400 W Broadway St\, North Little Rock\, AR 72114 SUMMARY:Land in the Rock: Arkansas Travelers Baseball Game END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:a596278a-4590-4196-a085-dfa6e7935795 DTSTART:20260625T110000 DTEND:20260625T111500 DESCRIPTION:Directions: \;Cantrell West Build
ing
Contact: \;Hayden Henderson\, Branch Manag
er\; (501) 725-2225
Join Create Little Rock on June 27th for a classic summer co mbo—cold drinks\, good vibes\, and live soccer—as part of our Land in the Rock series! We’re kicking things off with a pre-game tailgate at 6 PM\, then heading into the stadium to cheer on the Little Rock Rangers as they hit the pitch at 7 PM.
Expect tailgate treats\, cold drinks\, and plenty of chances to connect with fell ow YPs before the match begins. Whether you’re a die-hard soccer fan or just in it for the snacks and sunshine\, this one’s for you.
LOCATION:1 Stadium Dr\, Little Rock\, AR 72205\, USA SUMMARY:Land in the Rock: Arkansas Rangers Game END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:ee223ce7-0617-4d37-8289-265a494de1d2 DTSTART:20260630T090000 DTEND:20260630T100000 DESCRIPTION:< span>We are excited to invite you to join us for our upcoming Smal l Business Roundtable\, a quarterly peer discussion designed excl usively for Chamber small business members. This roundtable will bring tog ether small business owners\, executives and senior leaders for a candid\, facilitated conversation around shared challenges\, emerging trends\, and practical strategies to strengthen businesses across our region. Rather t han a formal presentation\, this is a collaborative space to learn from on e another\, exchange ideas\, and build meaningful connections.
< p>What to Expect:Peer-l ed discussion on pertinent topics
Opportunity to share challenges\, insights\, and best practices
Networking with fellow business leaders
A supportive\, confidential environment focused on real-world solutions
Who Should Attend:
Owners\,
CEOs\, directors\, managers\, and leaders from Chamber-member small busin
esses.
Date: June 30\, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Little
Rock Regional Chamber
Space is intentionally limited to encourage meaningful dialogue. \;Additional questions\, please reach out to Kellen Davis at kdavis@littlero ckchamber.com
LOCATION:200 E Markham St\, Little Rock\, AR 72201\, USA SUMMARY:Small Business Roundtable END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:af46daab-487c-405b-8c31-cd50cfee7e8f DTSTART:20260709T140000 DTEND:20260709T141500 DESCRIPTION:Directions: \;Breckenridge Plaza
at the I-430 Rodney Parham Exit.
Beside: \;Fly
way Brewery &\; Eat My Catfish
Across From: \;H
ungry Howie’s Pizza\, Circle K\, Luv Nails and Spa\, Kroger
Join Land in the Rock for our Unplugged Speaker Series on Ju ly 15th at noon.
This professional development lunch features two gr eat speakers\, Skip Rutherford\, Dean \;Emeritus of the Clinton School of Public Service\, and Sam Smith\, Director of Human Resources at Harris on Energy Partners. Skip will speak on networking and "rainmaking\," and S am will talk about interviewing and resumes\, including pitfalls to consid er.
LOCATION:119 Main St\, Little Rock\, AR 72201\, USA SUMMARY:Land in the Rock: Professional Development Lunch with Skip Rutherfo rd END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:9a21d024-92a3-483c-9290-a91c1775a889 DTSTART:20260716T133000 DTEND:20260716T170000 DESCRIPTION:Strike Up Some Fun at Bowling for B usiness! \;Presented by Mainstream Technologies
Lanes are limited\, and this popular summer event fills up fast . Register early to secure your spot!
Join us Thursday\, July 16\, starting at 1:30 p.m.\, for Bowlin g for Business\, where strikes\, spares\, and bragging rights are all up f or grabs.
Whether you can s tay for an hour or the whole afternoon\, jump in for a game or stick aroun d for the full experience. Bring your team or come solo and we’ll match you with teammates for an afternoon of fun\, connection\, and friendly com petition. \;
This event is a simple way to reward your staff\, strengthen relationships\, and get out of the office without the hassle of planning. Not Bowling? Come Anywa y!
Spectators are welcome! Cheer on your team\, meet new people\, and enjoy snacks\, drinks\, and gre at networking.
Event Schedule:
1:30 – 2:00 p.m. | Registration
2:00 – 3:15 p.m. | Game 1
3:15 – 3 :30 p.m. | Networking Break
3 :30 – 4:45 p.m. | Game 2 (Networking Round)
4:45 – 5:00 p.m. | Awards
For our final event of the summer\, we’ll be touring Rock Town Distillery \;on South Main Street and sampling 8 of their award-winning products!
Priv ate tours and tastings usually cost $20 per person\, but the cost for Crea te Little Rock members and Land in the Rock participants is only $10. \;You can \;PAY HERE in advance or pay at the door. \;The cost inc ludes a tasting of 8 of their products following the tour.
LOCATION:1201 Main St\, Little Rock\, AR 72202\, USA SUMMARY:Land in the Rock: Rocktown Distillery Tour & Tasting END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:23c3e0f1-8fbf-4d7e-805d-532c4df57aac DTSTART:20260730T173000 DTEND:20260730T193000 DESCRIPTION:Get ready for a summer evening on the water! Join Create Lit tle Rock and Land in the Rock for a riverside cookout at the Rock City Yac ht Club on July 30 from 5:30–7:30 p.m.\, sponsored by Apartment Hunters.
We’ll be grilling and hanging ou t on the banks of the Arkansas River. Thanks to our friends at Rock Town R iver Outfitters\, you’ll have the chance to hop in a kayak and paddle ar ound the marina for a totally new view of downtown Little Rock.
Whet her you’re here for the food\, the views\, or the adventure\, it’s a g reat chance to connect with fellow young professionals and interns.
LOCATION:1726 E 2nd St\, Little Rock\, AR 72202\, USA SUMMARY:Land in the Rock: River Cookout END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:965b21b2-ca50-4b21-b225-cab62a1fc1d6 DTSTART:20260801T110000 DTEND:20260801T130000 DESCRIPTION:Backpacks Ready. Fun Activated.
It’s almost time to
head back to school—and we’re throwing a bash to celebrate!
Jo
in us in the courtyard at The Promenade at Chenal on Saturday\, Au
gust 1\, 2026 | 11 AM–1 PM during Arkansas’s Back-to-School S
ales Tax Holiday (Aug 1–2)
That means ZERO state
or local sales tax on clothes\, school supplies\, backpacks\, electronics
\, and more—yes\, please!
The Fun Lineup:
A live DJ spinning feel-good\, family-friendly jams
Meet &\; snap a pic with Miss Arkansas
Food trucks + co ol\, refreshing drinks
Smiles-guaranteed giveaways
Photo ops you’ll want to post immediately
DIY patc h station—create your own back-to-school flair
Extra Cool Bonus:
We’re teaming up with Kids Market\,
an awesome nonprofit where kids run their own mini-businesses! Shop handma
de crafts\, treats\, games\, and more—think farmer’s market vibes\, po
wered by kids.
Shop tax-free\, support young entrepreneurs\, and se
nd the kids back to school in style. We’ll see you at The Promenade!
Directions: \;20195 Congo Ferndal
e Road\, Little Rock\, AR 72210
Contact: \;Jac
kie Medders\, Owner\; (501) 559-5959
Because the best ideas are often brewed over coffee.
Click HERE to Register!< /strong>
Small business owners are t
he heartbeat of our local economy—and that’s exactly why we created
Why Attend?
Make Real Connections
Whether you’re looking to find custom
ers\, partners\, or just great ideas\, The Morning Grind brings t
ogether entrepreneurs\, service providers\, and local leaders in a relaxed
\, welcoming setting.
Stay in th
e Know
Hear about upcoming Chamber events\, small business pro
grams\, and community initiatives that can support your growth and visibil
ity.
New Member Orientation is an orientation for members who hav
e recently joined\, \;previously dropped members who have come back on
board\, or new employees looking to get their company re-engaged with the
Chamber. This fun &\; informative orientation \;will help you lear
n how to get the most out of your membership.
You'll meet the Chamb
er staff and hear \;about what the Chamber does in our region\, learn
how to use the \;Members Only Online Portal\, get ideas for getting enga
ged with the current membership\, and \;learn more about upcoming even
ts &\; programs.
You'll also have the opportunity to give a quic
k 30-second introduction to your business and will be able to network with
other new members. This event is free\, but registration is required.&nbs
p\;Coffee and light \;refreshments will be served.
Directions: \;1020 West 4th Stree
t Suite 400\, Little Rock\, AR 72201
Contact:<
/strong> \;AnnaMarie Sullivan\, Corporate Secretary\; (501) 212-8613
REGISTRATION AND INFORMATION COMING SOON! LOCATION:112 Smarthouse Way\, North Little Rock\, AR 72114\, USA SUMMARY:Women's Business Conference\, presented by CHI St. Vincent END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:a2bb66c2-1680-426e-bde9-07b5325222ad DTSTART:20260828T120000 DTEND:20260828T130000 DESCRIPTION:
Come out to the Arkansas Foodbank for our August Final Frida y. \; Enjoy lunch while connecting with fellow Chamber members. \;
Final Friday offers member businesses a nd their guests the opportunity to engage in networking within a relaxed\, professional setting. Designed to foster meaningful business relationship s\, attendees will learn and expand their professional network across the Little Rock Region. \;
Our August Fi nal Friday is proudly hosted by \;the Arkansas Foodbank\, a valued Cha mber member committed to supporting and strengthening the Little Rock Regi on. \;
Key Details:
Th is event is open to Chamber members and their guests.
Regis tration is required\, and lunch is included. \;
Want to host your own Final Friday? Contact Stacy Wilson\, Chief Revenue Officer\, at 501.377.6004
LOCATION:4301 W 65th St\, Little Rock\, AR 72209\, USA SUMMARY:Final Friday hosted by the Arkansas Foodbank END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z UID:e6f79b25-ccb8-4a7f-81ba-3391b370dc86 DTSTART:20260917T080000 DTEND:20260917T140000 DESCRIPTION:Join us on \;September 17\, 2026 \;
for the \;Day of Goodness\, a special day of service
and community impact hosted by Goodness Village.
The event will tak
e place at \;The Palisades at Chenal (1501 Rahling Road) in Li
ttle Rock\, where guests will have the opportunity to learn more
about the mission of Goodness Village\, tour one of our fully furnished ap
artments\, and participate in meaningful service opportunities that direct
ly support the families we serve.
The Day of Goodness brings togeth
er volunteers\, community partners\, and supporters to help provide comfor
t\, care\, and encouragement to patients and families traveling to Little
Rock for medical treatment.
Sponsorship opportunities are a
vailable now. \;We invite you to be part of this meaningful d
ay.
Goodness Village provides affordable\, fully furnished apartmen
ts to patients and their families who require medical treatment in Little
Rock.
Directions &\; Location Info: 1501 Rahlin
g Road\, Little Rock\, 72223 No reservation needed to tour an apartment.
LOCATION:1501 Rahling Rd\, Little Rock\, AR 72223\, USA
SUMMARY:MEMBER EVENT: Day of Goodness (Goodness Village)
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z
UID:60b596e2-09eb-462f-9f68-51262c567c5e
DTSTART:20260917T170000
DTEND:20260917T200000
DESCRIPTION:
Join us on \;September 17\, 2026 \;
for the \;Evening of Goodness\, a special evening cel
ebrating the impact of Goodness Village and the community that helps keep
families together when they need it most.
The event will take place
at the \;Chenal Event Venue (21 Rahling Road) \;
and will feature a reception\, dinner\, guest story\, and recognition of i
ndividuals and organizations making a meaningful difference in the lives o
f the families we serve.
The Evening of Goodness is a \;ticketed event. Attendance is available through sponsorships and
reserved ticket purchases.
We invite you to join us for this meani
ngful evening of celebration and impact.
Goodness Village provides
affordable\, fully furnished apartments to patients and their families who
require medical treatment in Little Rock.
Directions &\
; Location Info: Chenal Event Venue - 21 Rahling Road\, Little Ro
ck 72223
Click HERE to Register! \;< /strong>
This year's Minority Business Awards Luncheon will be&n bsp\;held \;on September 24th from 11:30 to 1:00 p.m. as the premiere event of Minority Enterprise Development Week. This prestigious luncheon c elebrates the diversity of the Little Rock Regional business community and will \;honor exceptional minority-owned businesses and individuals wh o have demonstrated outstanding leadership\, innovation\, and commitment t o the community.
Space is limited\, so p lease make sure to reserve your table today! \; Reach out to Kay Kay Cutler \;or 501.377.6 030 for more information. \; \;
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE. Please reach out to Stacy Wilson \;or 501.377.6004.
Directions: \;Office Building: So
uthern States Equipment on the Frontage Road
Beside: \;Crain Chevrolet &\; Old Economy Inn
Across From: \;Interstate &\; Ron Pack Carpet &\; Tile
Contact: \;Heather Shaw\, Marketing Manager\; (318) 957-4773<
/span>
The 14th Annual \; Arkansas PRIDEFest and Parade campaig
n\, happening Saturday\, October 17th\, 2026—and this year\, we’re mak
ing history again with a bold new location: Capitol Avenue in Downtown Lit
tle Rock! That’s right! We’ll gather and celebrate in sight of the Ark
ansas Capitol along Capitol Ave—uniting as a powerful\, joyful force for
equality\, visibility\, and celebration.
\;✨2026 Theme: UNI
TED IN PRIDE
This year’s theme is more than just words—it’s a mov
ement. "UNITED IN PRIDE" reflects the strength of our shared history\, our
cross-generational resilience\, and the power of solidarity in the face o
f adversity. As our community continues to stand strong—from the legisla
tive halls to the dance floor—this theme reminds us that we are stronger
together.
We’re proud to stand arm-in-arm with our fellow organizati
ons\, including Little Rock Black Pride and SoMa Pride and all Prides acro
ss the state\, as we celebrate all the ways Arkansas shows up for love\, i
dentity\, and community.
📍Mark Your Calendar!
📆Saturday\,
October 17th\, 2026
⏰ \;11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍1110 W Capito
l Ave\, Little Rock\, AR 72201
\;🎉The Para
de
Join us as we take to Capitol Avenue from Arch Street to Pulaski Str
eet for a vibrant celebration of love and liberation. Parade kicks off at
11 AM—registration is FREE and open now at \;arpride.org. \;Bring your floats\, flags\, your friends\, an
d your fiercest outfits! Volunteer to carry our parade flag at \;arpride.org. \;Parade applications are now free and open. Showcas
e your business or organization with us.
🏳️🌈PRIDEFest Hi
ghlights
A celebration with LGBTQIA+ entertainers\, vendor booths\, foo
d trucks\, community organizations\, businesses\, and headlining performan
ces by many of Arkansas’s world-class LGBTQIA+ artists!
Applications
for vendors\, performers\, and food trucks are now open:
👉 \;Cli
ck here to register on E
venteny
PRIDEfest BRUNCH Sunday\, Oct 18th 11am-1pm
Location
: tbd
Theme: United is Pride\, where we have a panel discussion explori
ng your POWER at the Capitol and storytelling about engaging with our legi
slators. With performances by local drag artists and vocalists.
💖 \;Let’s Keep PRIDE Alive Year-Round
Central Arkansas Pride i
s more than a one-day event. We’re proud to offer 365 days of community
programming—from CAP Day at the Little Rock Zoo to National Coming Out D
ay\, our Youth Leadership Academy\, and statewide Pride celebrations.
📆 \;Check out upcoming events and resources anytime at \;www.arpride.org
🙌 How YOU Can Help
We’re calling on
our community to join us in rallying. If you believe in visibility\, cele
bration\, and equality\, please consider supporting our mission:
✅Don
ate by visiting \;arpride.org \;or clicking the donate l
ink below.
✅Become a sponsor by emailing sponsor@arprid
e.org for our sponsor decks.
✅Get involved and spread the word! A
ll are welcome.
Every dollar helps us build a future that is inclusive\
, safe\, and empowering for all LGBTQIA+ Arkansans. Volunteer your time an
d talent.
Get out of your seats and into the streets—Capitol Ave
is calling you!
Celebrate with Peace\, Joy\, and RESILIENCE!
Because the best ideas are often brewed over coffee.
Click HERE to Register!< /strong>
Small business owners are t
he heartbeat of our local economy—and that’s exactly why we created
Why Attend?
Make Real Connections
Whether you’re looking to find custom
ers\, partners\, or just great ideas\, The Morning Grind brings t
ogether entrepreneurs\, service providers\, and local leaders in a relaxed
\, welcoming setting.
Stay in th
e Know
Hear about upcoming Chamber events\, small business pro
grams\, and community initiatives that can support your growth and visibil
ity.
New Member Orientation is an orientation for members who hav
e recently joined\, \;previously dropped members who have come back on
board\, or new employees looking to get their company re-engaged with the
Chamber. This fun &\; informative orientation \;will help you lear
n how to get the most out of your membership.
You'll meet the Chamb
er staff and hear \;about what the Chamber does in our region\, learn
how to use the \;Members Only Online Portal\, get ideas for getting enga
ged with the current membership\, and \;learn more about upcoming even
ts &\; programs.
You'll also have the opportunity to give a quic
k 30-second introduction to your business and will be able to network with
other new members. This event is free\, but registration is required.&nbs
p\;Coffee and light \;refreshments will be served.
SafeHaven Security Group will host the third annual Violence
Prevention Conference of Mid-America in Northwest Arkansas on October 20-
21\, 2026.
Nearly 2 million U.S. workers are impacted by wo
rkplace violence each year. This conference is designed to addres
s preventing targeted violence and protecting people in an increasingly vi
olent world.
Topics will include:
Detecting Deception
Workplace Violence
Mental Health and Violen ce
Creating Safe Workplaces
Security Trainin g for Non-Security Professionals
CEU credits will
be available through SHRM and for law enforcement in AR\, MO and OK. Directions: \;Across the street f
rom the Arkansas Department of Commerce
Register: \;https://www.safehavensec
uritygroup.com/violence-prevention-conference-of-mid-america<
/p>
LOCATION:3303 S Pinnacle Hills Pkwy\, Rogers\, AR 72758\, USA
SUMMARY:MEMBER EVENT: Violence Prevention Conference of Mid-America (SafeHa
ven Security Group\, LLC.)
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260616T023652Z
UID:34ce398e-3be4-43f4-8eda-3cce8e0af512
DTSTART:20261022T110000
DTEND:20261022T111500
DESCRIPTION:
Beside:&nb
sp\;Arkansas Bar Association Foundation
Across From:&n
bsp\;Arkansas Department of Commerce
Contact:
\;Liza Wright\, Owner\; (501) 248-8548