Brandi Tuttle selected to strengthen Hempstead Ct. through statewide 75Strong program

HOPE – Brandi Tuttle, Office Manager / Program Coordinator of Hempstead County Economic Development, has 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, Brandi Tuttle 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.

“Brandi representing Hempstead County Economic Development is important to Economic Development in Southwest Arkansas. The entrepreneurial ecosystem is a pillar of economic development, and we strategically applied for this program to make our Southwest Region more relevant in this particular pillar in Economic Development. We are looking forward to the collaborative efforts and outcomes,” says Anna Powell, President of Hempstead County Economic Development.

Through this program, Brandi 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.

“I am honored to have been selected for this program,” said Brandi Tuttle of Hempstead County Economic Development. “Big things are happening for entrepreneurship in Arkansas! Excited to see 75Strong Arkansas empowering leaders across the state to drive innovation and economic growth. This kind of collaboration is what moves our communities forward!”

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 Brandi 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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