A unique entrepreneurial opportunity is coming to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock campus thanks to a partnership between the university and The Venture Center.

Participants in 2 Days to Startup — set to run from Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8 —  will form teams to develop entrepreneurial ideas and test them for viability. By the end of the event, they’ll pitch those concepts to judges, receive feedback, and possibly win prizes. All activities are scheduled to occur in the UALR Donaghey College of Engineering and Information Technology (EIT).

For UALR students, 2 Days to Startup provides a chance to use developing skills in a practical way, said Thomas Wallace, EIT program coordinator for web design and development and information technology.

“The earlier they can have these kinds of experiences, the more focus it gives them as they progress through their education,” Wallace said.

Lawrence Whitman, dean of the College of EIT, encourages people of all ages, particularly young students, to explore what it takes to become an entrepreneur. Events such as 2 Days to Startup are a great way to discover that motivation and to kindle creativity.

“The sooner we can ignite that flame, the better off we’ll be as a state,” Whitman said.

Partnering with The Venture Center was a natural step, Wallace said. The event helps build connections between emerging talents from the university and the business world — providing valuable exposure to the students and a potential pipeline for local employers.

Venture Center CEO Lee Watson said 2 Days to Startup encourages participants to integrate skills learned in the classroom with soft skills such as teamwork, collaboration, and project management in a business setting.

“This program is an intense yet fun exercise in business development,” Watson said. “By combining elements of competition, creativity, and innovation, participants engage and explore new skills.”

In addition to UALR students, the event is targeted at members of the community, including high school students. Those who don’t have ideas and want to work on others’ concepts or people who just want to observe are welcome, Whitman said.

Skills honed during 2 Days to Startup can be applied across the spectrum in the business world, Wallace said, adding that participants will be pushed beyond their comfort zone.

“It’s a great way to step out and experience something completely different than what you’ve ever experienced before,” Wallace said.

To purchase tickets or to find out more about the event, visit The Venture Center website. Students receive a discount by entering promo code “STUDENT.”