Together With

Join Onyx Coffee Lab on their pilgrimage - seeking, quality, truth and accountability in coffee. Onyx strives to find the finest and most unique coffees in the world. Order for yourself or as a perfect gift for a friend HERE.

Startup News

SBA and The Venture Center Launch Veteran Owned Small Business Accelerator in Arkansas

The Venture Center and the U.S. Small Business Administration's Arkansas District Office have joined forces to launch a Veteran Owned Small Business Accelerator - a program designed to empower veteran-led businesses to reach their full potential.

• Program details: This comprehensive curriculum includes business strategy, marketing, finance, and growth planning to propel veteran-owned businesses to success.

• Submit applications: Applications are open for veteran entrepreneurs wishing to join the accelerator programme.

Get more information on the program HERE.

Economy

Arkansas Jobless Rate up Slightly from 2.6% to 2.7% in August

Arkansas's unemployment rate rose slightly from July to August, but remains below its year-over-year figure. The number of employed in the state is still up 2.13% year-over-year and is projected to stay there after revisions.

• Industry Insights: Arkansas's job growth was primarily driven by the Leisure and Hospitality, Education and Health Services, and Construction sectors, leading to record employment in those fields.

• State Goals: Governor Sarah Sanders reiterated her goal of doubling the state's tourism industry over the next decade at the Arkansas Hospitality Association's annual conference.

Read the full breakdown of the Arkansas job market HERE.

Business

Standard Lithium Expands Lithium Production Plan With Land Acquisition in Lafayette County

Standard Lithium, a Canada-based company backed by Koch Industries, plans to build a $1.3 billion lithium hydroxide production plant in Lafayette County.

• Location, location, location: Strategically located near highways and railroads, and a workforce skilled in petrochemical production and processing brines, this facility is positioned to capitalize on the lithium resource necessary for the energy transition.

• Economy of scale : With estimated production of 30,000 tons of lithium products per year, this venture plans to sell for at least $30,000 per ton, drastically increasing domestic production from the current 5,000 tons/year.

Learn more and follow their progress HERE.

Events

Enjoy Craft Beer and Cocktails at Zoo Brew and Cocktails, Too 2023

Zoo Brew and Cocktails is just around the corner! Come out on September 2023 to the Little Rock Zoo for a unique night of craft beer and cocktails, live music, and some of the best local food trucks.

• Raise a glass: Enjoy the best brews and cocktails in the area in your souvenir cup and meet some of the Zoo's animals along the way.

• Foodie dreams: Don't miss the 10 food trucks, including Cafe Africa, serving up the tastiest local cuisine.

Get more info about the event HERE.

Little Rock Daily Picks

In other news…

• Get caffeinated: If you're looking to treat yourself or one of your friends with some of the best coffee on the market, you can pick up Onyx Coffee, an award-winning, Arkansas-based coffee roaster that is on a mission to find and serve the finest and most unique coffees in the world.*

• Double the fun: Fazoli's opened up a second location in Little Rock after having great results with its first location in the city.

• Later gator: An Arkansas woman caught a whopping 12'2" alligator in south Arkansas.

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