A University of Arkansas Pine Bluff student and cosmetologist, Tenea Jones-Robbins will present Stuttgart Small Business Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Saturday, March 7, at Holman Community Development Center, 605 N. Buerkle St. in Stuttgart.
Several businesses, vendors and guest speakers will be in attendance to offer their services and goods to the public. The lineup for the half-day event includes mentors, exhibitors and networking opportunities.
“This is a local event for entrepreneurs who want to get their business out there,” said Jones who also works for the Small Farm Wetland Outreach Center at UAPB and will graduate in December. “You never know what someone has to offer and this event will make the community aware of what these businesses have to offer.”
Born and raised in Stuttgart and a 2000 graduate of Stuttgart High School, Jones wanted to give back to her community. She explained the Stuttgart Small Business Saturday was a vision she received so she ran with it.
“Over 25 small businesses will be in the building,” said Jones.
The roster of guest speakers includes Jalisa Sloan covering Real Estate and Relerford Funeral Home CEO Shelly Owens who will speak about annuities. Attorneys Danny Williams and Furonda Brasfield are also on the agenda as well as Ward 1 Stuttgart Alderman Joe Alexander Jr.
The entry fee is $3 with a can good or non-perishable food donation or $5 without.
Donations will go to the Holman Community Center Food Pantry.
The Stuttgart Small Business Saturday will include networking opportunities, education, Happy Hour beverages, appetizers, food trucks, raffles and giveaways.
‘Shop local’ is the message Jones hope will come across to the community during her event.
“I cannot give God enough thanks for blessing
this event,” said Jones.
“May God shower this event with love,
inspiration, knowledge, motivation, and most importantly the awareness that we
have these services readily available for each and everyone in the community of
Stuttgart.”
