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Friends,
One of the most effective ways to build wealth in a community is through entrepreneurship, which is why we as a City are intentional about offering programs and support to small businesses across Little Rock.
Now in its third year, BUILD Academy is an example of how we're investing in our small businesses by equipping entrepreneurs with the resources and knowledge to grow and sustain their businesses. A companion to BUILD, Emprende is a business development program for Spanish-speaking residents.
Both programs wrapped up their 2023 cohort earlier this year, with BUILD graduating 23 participants and Emprende graduating 38.
Last week, participants in BUILD and Emprende took part in a pitch competition at the Little Rock Regional Chamber, giving them the chance to put their entrepreneurial skills to the test in front of judges and members of the public. It was a great event that demonstrated the strength and diversity of our small businesses in the City, and I can't wait to see them thrive and prosper.
Congratulations to this year's BUILD and Emprende pitch competition winners.
The winners were:
For BUILD: Gina Smith, Rock Region Consulting, first place; Cai Lane, Grayslate Digital, second place; Michal Harris, Ikarus Youth Outreach Program, third place; Gabrielle Wilkerson, Antwane Wilkerson and A'Ja Rolfe, Southern Pasta Twist, people's choice.
For Emprende, Edwin David Olivares, Lorena's Cleaning Services, first place; Carlos Alberto Gutierrez Zendejas, Events with Taste, second place; Evelyn Mariela Hernandez, RoMa Painting, third place.
I appreciate the work of our sponsors and our judges for this year's BUILD and Emprende programs. Judges for the BUILD pitch competition were A.J. Thomas of Centennial Bank, Mary Fair of Garver and Kimberly Lee of Hope Credit Union, Emprende judges were Mike Ramirez of Arvest Bank, Itzel Velazquez of Kiva Little Rock and Jose Carrasquillo of First Community Bank.
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Celebrate Independence Day Safely
On Tuesday, we celebrate Independence Day. Whether you're spending time in one of Little Rock's 63 parks, enjoying a break at the pool or the lake, or gathering with family and friends, I hope you have a safe and happy Fourth of July celebration.
If you want to get into the spirit of the Day with fireworks, I'd encourage you to attend Pops on the River in downtown Little Rock or check out another professionally licensed and permitted display.
Keep in mind that the sale and use of fireworks are prohibited within the City of Little Rock. We want residents to stay safe and have an enjoyable Fourth. If you want to report fireworks violations this year, please submit those reports by email to LRPDFireworksViolations@littlerock.gov. All emails are reviewed and assigned to a police officer.
Please refrain from reporting fireworks violations to 911. Residents should still use 911 in the event of an emergency, to report injuries or property damage or to report suspected gunfire.
Most importantly, be a good neighbor on this holiday. Fireworks can cause undue stress and anxiety to others and especially pets. Please stay safe and be courteous so that everyone can have a happy Fourth of July!
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Little Rock officials remind residents about the City's fireworks prohibition.
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Deadline for FEMA Assistance is TODAY
Residents and businesses impacted by the March 31 tornado face a deadline today (Monday, July 3) to apply for federal disaster assistance from FEMA or the Small Business Administration.
Homeowners and renters in Pulaski, Lonoke and Cross counties who sustained damage in the storm must apply for disaster aid today if they have not already done so. To apply, visit disasterassistance.gov or call (800) 621-3362.
Today is also the deadline for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA loans are available to businesses, nonprofits, homeowners and renters. To apply for SBA assistance, visit disasterloanassistance.sba.gov .
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The Week Ahead
- City offices are closed on Tuesday, July 4 for the Independence Day holiday. Accordingly, sanitation and recycling pickup will be one day later than normal, starting Wednesday.
- The Little Rock Board of Directors will not meet this week. The next board meeting is Tuesday, July 11, at 4 p.m.at The Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock Facebook and YouTube pages. To view the agenda, click here.
- Saturday, July 8, is Little Rock Recycles Day, sponsored by the City's Sustainability Office, the Little Rock Zoo and Keep Little Rock Beautiful. Recyclable items including glass, e-waste, plastic bags and other goods will be accepted from 9 a.m. to noon at the Zoo's east parking lot at the intersection of Zoo Drive and Monroe St. Click here to learn more.
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As always, stay up to date with what's happening in the City on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram via @citylittlerock. You can also email me at mayorscott@littlerock.gov or call my office at 501.371.4744.
I appreciate you!
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