Local leaders selected for statewide entrepreneurial program

Programs hopes to boost local small business

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Two Crittenden County leaders have been selected to take part in a prestigious statewide program aimed at fostering small business growth and boosting economic development. Raymond Whiteside, Executive Director of Main Street West Memphis, and Beth Wilson, Economic Development Director for the City of Marion, will represent the region in the inaugural 75Strong cohort, a two-year program designed to empower local leaders to support entrepreneurs and strengthen their communities.

75Strong is led by Conductor and Startup Junkie, two organizations focused on economic innovation in Arkansas, and funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission . The program equips participants with training, resources, and tools to build strong entrepreneurial ecosystems in their communities, addressing the speci_c challenges that small businesses face across the state.

For Whiteside, participating in 75Strong is a chance to make a lasting impact on West Memphis and Crittenden County. “I am honored to join the 75Strong program and work alongside amazing leaders from all corners of Arkansas,” he said. “Over the next two years, I’ll gain hands-on training, earn my Entrepreneurial Development Professional erti_cation, and develop plans to grow small businesses and create jobs in West Memphis and Crittenden County. I can’t wait to see the positive changes this program will bring to our community!”

The Entrepreneurial Development Professional certi _cation is a nationally recognized credential from the International Economic Development Council.. Those who complete the program will be better equipped to develop strategic plans for their regions, recruit and support small businesses and drive economic growth.

Wilson shares Whiteside’s excitement, believing this

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program will have a positive ripple effect throughout Eastern Arkansas. “I think this can be a game changer, not only for the state but for Marion and West Memphis as well,” she said. “It will be tough, but it will be well worth it.. Even if we can help just one person start their business, that alone makes it all worth it.”

She also emphasized the importance of guiding young entrepreneurs who might not know where to start. “”Sometimes people don’t know what steps to take to open a business, and this program will help us provide them with the tools they need to succeed,” Wilson said. “We want to support our local businesses and take the necessary initiiatives to strengthen our local economy.”

One of the most unique aspects of 75Strong is its emphasis on collaboration. Participants will work alongside other leaders from across Arkansas, sharing strategies and learning from one another to build more sustinable economic models.

The program includes a strict curriculum with required attendance at multiple training sessions and lectures. At the end of the two years, participantss must pass a 100 question exam to receive their EDP certi_cation.

Wilson is con_dent that the effort will pay off. “I’ve lived here forever, and this is my passion. We have people in our community who want to do better, and we’re going to give them the tools to make it happen,” she said. “This could be the turning point that puts Eastern Arkansas on the map. We can be just as successful as any other part of the state.”

For more information about 75Strong, visit 75strongarkansas.com.