Hope leaders join 75Strong training to fuel local economic momentum

Christy Burns, left, and Brandi Tuttle. Hempstead County EDC photo

HOPE – Local leaders Christy Burns and Brandi Tuttle are taking Hope’s growing entrepreneurial efforts to the next level through their participation in the 75Strong Arkansas program, a statewide initiative focused on entrepreneurship-led economic development.

Earlier this year, Burns and Tuttle were selected to join a cohort of over 55 leaders from across Arkansas to participate in 75Strong, which equips community and economic development leaders with the tools to support and grow small business ecosystems. Last month, the cohort gathered for a three-day immersive training session hosted by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC)—focused on identifying local gaps, clarifying strategy, and aligning resources to better serve entrepreneurs.

The training sparked meaningful collaboration across communities and helped participants sharpen their focus on the role of entrepreneurship in creating jobs, revitalizing downtowns, and building resilient local economies.

“This training really energized us,” said Christy Burns, Executive Director of the Hope-Hempstead County Chamber of Commerce. “It helped us step back and look at our local efforts through a broader lens. We’re excited to take what we’ve learned and keep building a more connected, inclusive, and entrepreneur-friendly community right here in Hope.”

“Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems are key drivers of economic development, and this program will provide not only vital resources, but also the critical tools needed to support entrepreneurs of all sizes,” said Brandi Tuttle. “Whether it’s a new small business or a major industry, we’re equipping ourselves with the knowledge to guide entrepreneurs not just through successful startups, but also through strong, strategic exits. Our monthly collaboration, which includes Parks and Tourism, the Chamber of Commerce, Hope Downtown Network, and the Hempstead County Economic Development office, gives us a clear view of our community’s needs. Being part of 75Strong will help us learn how to fill those gaps effectively, and I believe it’s going to lead to long-term success for our region.”

Burns and Tuttle brought to the training an impressive list of local efforts already underway. Hope has long been home to major cultural and economic assets—from the Watermelon Festival and Klipsch Speakers to the legacy of President Bill Clinton and Governor Mike Huckabee — and local leaders have worked to connect those assets to new entrepreneurial momentum.

Hope-Hempstead Chamber of Commerce hosts weekly Community Coffee gatherings providing a consistent space for connection among residents and businesses and Hope Downtown Network’s recent acceptance into the Arkansas Main Street program has opened the door to new funding and revitalization resources. One notable project is the vision of a downtown business incubator, housed in a historic storefront, which could serve as a launchpad for multiple local entrepreneurs.

They’re also exploring access to resources. After hearing from a downtown business owner about the need for Spanish-language business tools, Christy and Brandi identified the need to address the language gap to ensure more inclusive small business support.

Now, with the added insight and statewide network provided through 75Strong, Burns and Tuttle are continuing to build a strong foundation for the future entrepreneurial ecosystem activity.

“Brandi and Christi are incredibly valuable assets both to their own community as well as to the rest of Arkansas. Through their participation in 75Strong they are bringing valuable resources and skills back to Hope and Hempstead County while also sharing the great work that’s already happening with others around the state so we can all learn from their examples”, says Drew Smith, Director of 75Strong.

The 75Strong program is led by Conductor in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC). Over the course of two years, the program will provide training, peer learning, and strategic support for 35 communities across the state to help unlock the economic potential of small business and local innovation. At the end of the program, each cohort member will earn the nationally recognized Entrepreneurial Development Professional (EDP) credential, bringing back practical tools and insights to strengthen their local ecosystem.

To learn more, visit 75StrongArkansas.com.

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About the Conductor

The Conductor, a public-private partnership with the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie, drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment in central Arkansas through high-impact programming, one-on-one consulting, subject matter expertise, and workspace at the Arnold Innovation Center, powered by Conway Corporation.