Invest Fort Smith 2025 Brings Together Entrepreneurs, Business Leaders, and Community Partners to Explore Growth and Opportunity
Main Street Fort Smith and PRIME: River Valley Professional Summit are partnering to present Invest Fort Smith 2025, a one-day summit designed to connect entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders with resources, insights, and opportunities that are shaping Fort Smith’s future. The event is co-hosted with the University of Arkansas Fort Smith Center for Economic Development and will take place on Thursday, November 13 at The Bakery District.
The event is free to attend, but registration is required. Participants can sign up at www.mainstreetfs.org.
“Invest Fort Smith has become the place where people who care about Fort Smith’s economic future come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and build partnerships,” said Amanda Hager, Executive Director of Main Street Fort Smith. “It’s all about making connections that turn opportunity into action.”
Event Highlights
- 9:30–10:50 AM — Professional Headshots
Kane Bassham, PlusGrand Media - 11:00 AM — Welcome
Amanda Hager, Main Street Fort Smith
Christina Williams, PRIME: River Valley Professional Summit - 11:00–11:45 AM — Lunch & Learn: Resources for Businesses Victoria Walls, CityView – City of Fort Smith
Ty Barrett, Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center - 12:00–12:50 PM — ChatGPT in Action
Aric Mitchell, Publisher of Main Street - 1:00–2:00 PM — Panel: Fort Smith is Growing: Turning Opportunities into Action Featuring Sam Sicard (First National Bank), Col. Nick “Matrix” Idhe (USAF 85th Fighter Group), Ty Barrett (ASBTDC), Christina Catsavis (City of Fort Smith)
Moderated by Kendall Ross (UAFS) - 2:00–2:30 PM — Vendor Mingle
Local organizations and service providers connect with attendees to share resources and opportunities. - 2:30–3:50 PM — Panel: Invest x PRIME — Reinvesting in Downtown Fort Smith: How to Revitalize, Restore, and Reimagine
Featuring Amanda Hager (Main Street Fort Smith), Stuart Ghan (Ghan & Cooper Commercial Properties), Ashleigh Bachert (Discover Fort Smith), and Terra Harvell
(Harper Ellis Hair Co.)
Moderated by Maggie Rice (City of Fort Smith) - 4:00–5:00 PM — Happy Hour at Digs
About the Event
Invest Fort Smith 2025 offers a full day of learning, inspiration, and collaboration aimed at helping Fort Smith’s small business community grow stronger together. Through panels, networking, and access to business resources, the event highlights how local leadership and community investment are fueling the city’s continued economic growth.
Sponsorship and vendor opportunities are still available. Registration for attendees is free at www.mainstreetfs.org.
Contact:
Amanda Hager, Executive Director
Main Street Fort Smith
director@mainstreetfs.org | 479-462-9132
www.mainstreetfs.org
About Main Street Fort Smith
Main Street Fort Smith is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating vibrant spaces in downtown Fort Smith through business development, arts and culture, special events, and the promotion of attractive amenities. Learn more at www.mainstreetfs.org.
