Brandi Schulz, Executive Director of the Cave City Area Chamber of Commerce , has been selected to represent Cave City, Arkansas 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.
As part of 75Strong, Schulz 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, Schulz will also help recruit businesses in Cave City 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 Cave City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem while driving long-term growth and innovation.
“Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of Arkansas, especially in rural communities like Cave City,” Schulz said. “As a small business owner for over ten years, I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship, and I am excited to bring my skills as an Entrepreneurial Development Professional to my community.”
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 Schulz 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
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