UA Little Rock to Host Governor’s Cup and Pitch Studio Workshop Oct. 24

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is inviting students, faculty, and community members to explore the world of entrepreneurship and sharpen their startup skills during the next Go 4th Fridays Entrepreneurship Lunch Series event on Oct. 24.

The event, “Governor’s Cup & Pitch Studio,” will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Reynolds Building Atrium and Room 103. Attendees can enjoy a free pizza lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m. in the atrium, followed by an engaging workshop session focused on pitching, business planning, and startup strategy.

The interactive session will feature three speakers who play key roles in Arkansas’s entrepreneurial ecosystem:

·   Mallory Race, senior project manager for the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, will provide an overview of pitch events and opportunities for student entrepreneurs across the region.

·   Maddy Stricklen, program director at the Arkansas Capital Corporation Foundation, will share insights on the Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition and discuss the level of preparation and competitiveness needed to succeed.

·   Kristopher Adams, leader of the ARise program and former director of the NWA Tech Summit, will teach “A 30-Minute Lesson” on preparing for a pitch and the anatomy of a successful pitch deck.

The event will conclude with an open mic session, where students can pitch their startup ideas and receive real-time feedback from the guest speakers.

“Events like this bring together students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to build an innovation culture right here on our campus,” said Marla Johnson, UA Little Rock’s tech-entrepreneur-in-residence. “Whether you’re a student who’s curious about entrepreneurship or actively building a company, this is a valuable chance to learn how to communicate your ideas effectively and connect with people who can help you grow them.”

The Governor’s Cup & Pitch Studio is part of Go 4th Fridays, a new monthly series launched this fall to foster innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurial thinking at UA Little Rock. Each session features guest speakers, hands-on learning, and opportunities for students to share their own ideas.

The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available next to the Jack Stephens Center in Lot 13 off of 28th Street. For more information and to register, visit this webpage.