Invest Fort Smith
Schedule
Thu, 13 Nov, 2025 at 11:00 am
UTC-06:00Location
UAFS Center for Economic Development | Fort Smith, AR
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📣 Invest Fort Smith 2025 — Presented by Main Street Fort Smith & PRIME: River Valley Professional SummitCo-Hosted with the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Center for Economic Development
Fort Smith is growing and so are the opportunities! 🚀
Join us for Invest Fort Smith 2025, a one-day summit designed for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and family-owned businesses to learn, connect, and plug into Fort Smith’s next chapter.
This year’s event features thought-provoking panels, practical resources, and plenty of networking all focused on helping YOU navigate and benefit from our community’s momentum.
đź’Ľ What to Expect:
9:30 - 10:45 AM - Professional Headshots
Follow this link for your $25 session: https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/plusgrand-media-x-invest-heads
10:45 AM - Doors Open
11:00 AM - Welcome
11:00-11:45 AM - Lunch & Learn: CityView + Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center
*Lunch is sponsored by Jersey Mikes's Subs
12:00 - 12:50 PM - ChatGPT in Action with Aric Mitchell – mAIn Street
1:00 - 2:00 PM - Fort Smith is Growing: Turning Opportunities into Action
→ Economic impact, procurement, healthcare, infrastructure, and entrepreneur support
Panelist:
-Sam Sicard, President and CEO, First National Bank
-Col. Nick “Matrix” Idhe, Commander, USAF 85th Fighter Group
-Ty Barrett, Director, UAFS Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center
-Christina Catsavis, Board of Director, City of Fort Smith
-Moderator: Kendall Ross, Assoc. Vice Chancellor - Economic and Workforce Development, UAFS
2:00 - 2:30 PM - Vendor Mingle
2:30 - 3:30 PM - Invest x PRIME: Reinvesting in Downtown Fort Smith
→ Downtown development, infrastructure, and small business growth
Panelist:
-Amanda Hager, Executive Director, Main Street Fort Smith
-Stuart Ghan, Partner and Principal Broker, Ghan & Cooper Commercial Properties
-Ashleigh Bachert, Executive Director, Discover Fort Smith
-Terra Harvell, CEO & Founder, Harper Ellis Hair Co. and Harper Ellis Hair Salon
-Moderator: Maggie Rice, Deputy City Administrator, City of Fort Smith
4:00–5:00 PM - Happy Hour at Digs 🍻
This summit brings together local leaders, business owners, and community partners for real conversations and actionable takeaways. Whether you’re starting up, scaling up, or looking to connect, Invest Fort Smith is where growth meets opportunity.
👉 RSVP now to save your seat and be part of the conversation shaping Fort Smith’s future!
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Where is it happening?
UAFS Center for Economic Development, 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901-2452, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
