Multiple Arkansas entrepreneurial support organizations (ESOs) are shutting down their program offerings in response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Both Startup Junkie and Conductor have canceled all in-person events and programming that have been scheduled for the remainder of the school year. In addition, both organizations have canceled on in-person client meetings. However, both will continue to hold meetings as they transition to virtual client meetings, whether on phone or video conference.
In a Facebook post, Startup Junkie also announced that its Pryor Center co-working space and conference will be closed to the public. The spaces are leased from the University of Arkansas, and the organization says it is following the university’s lead.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) has also halted face-to-face activities and has moved to online and remote delivery of services. The ASBTDC has canceled all in-person events through April 30, although some may later be converted to an online format.
In North Little Rock, the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub is also feeling the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. The Innovation Hub announced its intention to close for two weeks, starting March 13. In a post, Innovation Hub officials wrote, “The circumstances are difficult but we know innovators don’t like to take breaks. That’s why we’ll be publishing fun DIY projects here and on our social media that you and your loved ones can work on from home! Like always, this community sticks together with creativity, curiosity, and love.”
The Venture Center is also closing its community programming for March. According to a Facebook post, the Little Rock-based ESO will discontinue its programming until after March 30.
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Did we miss any ESO cancellations? E-mail Tyler Hale at thale@armoneyandpolitics.com.
Image courtesy of the Pryor Center
