Arkansas

Venture Center & ABA Launch Fintech Accelerator for Arkansas Banks

Published

2 years ago

August 19, 2024

Venture Center & ABA Launch Fintech Accelerator for Arkansas Banks

(The Venture Center of Little Rock)

The Venture Center and the Arkansas Bankers Association have teamed up to launch a new technology accelerator aimed at addressing challenges specific to Arkansas banks.

Ten startups will be selected for the Arkansas Banking Solutions Accelerator, a 12-week program to advance technology in the state and help local banks navigate the ever-changing financial sector.

This initiative marks a shift for the Venture Center, which has led the program for years with the Independent Community Bankers of America. But the new partnership with the ABA is part of an ongoing effort to “refocus on Arkansas,” said Daniel Schutte, vice president of strategic partnerships at the Venture Center.

The Banking Solutions Accelerator distinguishes itself from other fintech accelerators by targeting specific pain points of Arkansas banks. One major issue banks are facing is what Lorrie Trogden, president and CEO of the ABA, calls a “huge niche” — compliance and regulatory technology, especially in an increasingly complex landscape.

“We face a myriad of new regulations constantly. It feels like every day there’s a new regulation coming out,” Trogden said.

She cited Regulation 1071, which requires financial institutions to compile and report lending data for women-owned, minority-owned and small businesses, all within an 18-month period.

Those regulatory burdens can be especially challenging for smaller community banks, which sometimes lack the resources and funds to develop in-house solutions, Trogden said.

“It’s one thing to have something new and shiny and great. And there will always be a place for that,” Trogden said. “But for the banks, it’s all driven by regulation.”

In hopes of addressing regulation technology, or regtech, the program aims to connect Arkansas banks with companies that can provide tailored, cost-effective solutions. While companies from anywhere can apply, Schutte noted there might be some “bias” towards regional companies already addressing problems faced by Arkansas banks.

Though he emphasized that overall, the program is still looking for the “best tech.”

The selection process will involve interviews conducted by the Venture Center, followed by a committee review to choose the startups with the most potential. Selected companies will have one-on-one meetings with leaders in the Arkansas banking industry and ABA-member banks, as well as access to the Venture Center’s out-of-state network.

A key focus of the accelerator is addressing the needs of community banks, which are a significant part of Arkansas’ financial landscape. On top of aiding regulatory compliance, the program aims to help local banks stay technologically competitive and prevent customers from going out of state for more advanced offerings.

“We want to keep all of the dollars that are coming from Arkansas citizens with our banks that are here in Arkansas,” Trogden said. “We want to provide everything that they need so they don’t have to take their dollars outside of the state. I think that’s what this accelerator program will do.”

The Banking Solutions Accelerator, which will begin in mid-September, will conclude with a demo day in December, during which the ten selected companies will pitch their solutions to potential investors and industry participants. Each company will receive a monetary investment, and the event is expected to attract around 400 attendees.

“We fundamentally believe we can impact Arkansas through this,” Schutte said. “That’s really our fundamental goal long term: doing it all where banks win, companies win, the state wins. Nobody loses in this kind of economic development work.”

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Arkansas

Arkansas labor force reaches all-time high in January

Published

7 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas labor force reaches all-time high in January

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Arkansas’ labor force reached an all-time high in January, officials say.

The state’s unemployment rate climbed to 4.4 percent in January, up from 4.3 percent in December, the Arkansas Department of Commerce and Bureau of Labor Statistics announced today. The unemployment rate for December 2025 was originally estimated at 4.2% but was later revised up to 4.3%.

The U.S. jobless rate declined one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.4% in December 2025 to 4.3% in January 2026.

Arkansas’ civilian labor force rose by 2,644 in January, reaching a record high level of 1,451,310.

Employment increased by 1,205, also setting a record high.

Arkansas’ labor force participation rate increased to 59.1%.

Compared to January 2025, employment has grown by 17,185 and there are 9,520 more unemployed Arkansans actively seeking work. The unemployment rate is up six-tenths of a percentage point.

Nonfarm payroll jobs in Arkansas decreased by 17,800 in January, typical for a seasonal decline.

Compared to January 2025, there are 9,200 additional nonfarm payroll jobs in the State.

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Arkansas

Hogs Shut Out Trojans in Midweek Win

Published

19 hours ago

April 8, 2026

Press Room

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Six Razorback pitchers combined to shut out in-state opponent Little Rock (19-14) and lead No. 22 Arkansas (21-13) to a 7-0 win Tuesday night at Baum-Walker Stadium. With the triumph, the Hogs improved to 7-2 in midweek games this season and 31-7 overall against in-state foes, including an 8-2 mark against Little Rock, since 1947.

Making his first start of the season on the mound, Tate McGuire opened Tuesday night’s contest with three shutout frames for Arkansas. The right-hander struck out one while working around two hits and a walk before turning the game over to the bullpen, which combined for six scoreless innings with six strikeouts to secure the Razorbacks’ midweek win.

Parker Coil (1.0 IP, 2 SO), Steele Eaves (2.0 IP), Gabe Gaeckle (1.0 IP, 1 SO), Cooper Dossett (1.0 IP, 1 SO) and Ethan McElvain (1.0 IP, 2 SO) worked together in relief of McGuire to lock down Arkansas’ fourth shutout of the campaign.

The Trojans held the Razorback offense both scoreless and hitless until the bottom of the fifth. After TJ Pompey and Reese Robinett reached safely to lead off the inning and advanced on a double steal, Ryder Helfrick stepped up to the plate with one out and delivered the go-ahead sacrifice fly to left field, giving Arkansas its first run of the night.

A five-spot in the bottom half of the sixth inning broke the game open for the Hogs. Arkansas loaded the bases with no outs for Robinett, who ripped a bases-clearing double down the right field line to extend the advantage to 4-0.

Later in the inning, Helfrick collected his second RBI of the game with a two-out double to right center and advanced to third on a fielding error in the outfield. The Razorbacks’ star catcher would score on a wild pitch to grow the lead to six.

Zack Stewart tacked on the seventh and final run in the seventh inning, cranking his sixth home run of the season and 50th of his career to left center to give Arkansas a commanding seven-run cushion. The Hogs finished with just four hits, including a pair of doubles and a home run, but capitalized on seven walks, two hit batsmen and three stolen bases.

Up next, the Razorbacks will hit the road for their second consecutive SEC weekend series away from the friendly confines of Baum-Walker Stadium. First pitch in the series opener between No. 22 Arkansas and No. 8 Alabama is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday, April 10, on SEC Network+ from inside Sewell–Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).

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Arkansas

Drug Take Back Day returns to Arkansas this month; promotes safe drug disposal

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2026

Press Room

Drug Take Back Day returns to Arkansas this month; promotes safe drug disposal

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Arkansas law enforcement agencies are hosting their 16th-annual Drug Take Back Day this month.

The event is designed so that Arkansans can safely and anonymously dispose of any expired, unused or unwanted medications. Officials say they want to prevent opioid misuse, reduce accidental poisonings, protect waterways from contamination and keep communities safe.

Its set to take place on Saturday, April 25.

“Arkansas Drug Take Back Day continues to bring communities together in the fight against substance misuse, and we’re proud to play such a vital part in it,” said Kirk Lane, director of the Arkansas Opioid Recovery Partnership (ARORP). “We invite Arkansans to take a few minutes to clean out their medicine cabinets, drop off unneeded prescriptions and protect their families and neighbors.”

Arkansans destroyed 26,500 pounds of medication during the fall 2025 Drug Take Back Day. Since 2010, over 342 tons have been destroyed.

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There are more than 300 drop boxes that Arkansans can use year-round. You can find your nearest drop box by CLICKING HERE.

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