Christy Burns, Executive Director of The Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce and Angelica Manzanares, Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce Administrative Assistant, have been selected to represent Hempstead County in the inaugural cohort of 75Strong, a statewide program designed to empower local leaders to build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems, support small businesses, and drive economic growth.
Led by Conductor and Startup Junkie, and funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), 75Strong equips participants with the tools, training, and resources needed to address the unique challenges facing entrepreneurs and small businesses in Arkansas. Conductor, based in Conway, is a public-private partnership dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, innovators, and small businesses in Arkansas through education, programming, and consulting - all at no-cost. The program is funded by AEDC, the state agency responsible for creating economic opportunities and supporting workforce development throughout Arkansas.
As part of 75Strong, Burns and Manzanares will engage in a two-year entrepreneurial development program and earn the Entrepreneurial Development Professional (EDP) certification from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This nationally recognized credential equips participants with the tools to develop strategic plans tailored to their communities, foster economic growth, and provide direct support to small businesses and startups.
Through this program, Burns and Manzanares will also help recruit businesses in Hempstead County to participate in a statewide business-building curriculum and collaborate with local stakeholders to implement initiatives that foster job creation and economic resilience. These efforts aim to strengthen Hempstead County's entrepreneurial ecosystem while driving long-term growth and innovation.
"We are incredibly honored that both of our Chamber staff members have been selected for the 75 STRONG program. This recognition speaks to their dedication, leadership, and commitment to strengthening our community. Investing in professional growth not only benefits our team but also enhances our ability to serve our members and drive economic development. We look forward to the impact this opportunity will have on our Chamber and our region," Burns stated.
The 75Strong program is unique in its focus on creating sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems by bringing together leaders from diverse communities—urban and rural—across Arkansas. The program emphasizes collaboration, targeted support, and hands-on learning to address the unique needs of Arkansas’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. Leaders like Burns and Manzanares will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their regions by using the tools and strategies gained through 75Strong to empower local businesses and foster innovation.
For more information about the 75Strong program, visit 75strongarkansas.com.
About the Conductor
The Conductor, a public-private partnership with the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie, drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment in central Arkansas and beyond through high-impact programming and one-on-one consulting at no cost. Conductor also manages the coworking, meeting space, and lease space at the Arnold Innovation Center at 1201 Oak Street Conway, AR, which offers low-cost solutions to the workspace needs of central Arkansas entrepreneurs and small business owners.
Christy Burns, Executive Director, Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce
Angelica Manzanares, Administrative Assistant, Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce