Youth Entrepreneur Showcase Announces Winners at Expo

by

Y.E.S. for Arkansas, a statewide business plan competition for fifth to eight graders, announced the winning teams today following Expo Day at Park Plaza Mall. Twenty-six finalist teams were previously selected as those with the Best Business Plans and Most Innovative Ideas.  Today they competed for Best Retail Booth and Marketing Awards in the 7th annual event.  The teams were selected in December from a field of 275 teams made up of nearly 1,000 students from across Arkansas.  All of the teams created a business plan for a new concept so they could compete for an opportunity to turn their ideas into reality. Winners in the four categories are: [Read more…]

NMTC Extended for Two Years

by

At this hour the House of Representatives has just passed HR 8, The American Taxpayer Relief Act, by a vote of 257-167. The bill includes provisions to dodge the fiscal cliff on taxes and postpones for two months the across the board spending reductions required by the Budget Control Act. The package includes extension of New Markets Tax Credits for 2012 and 2013 at $3.5 billion in annual credit authority. [Read more…]

CDFI Fund Announces 2012 Round of Competition for New Market Tax Credits

by

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) announced today that the 2012 competition round for New Market Tax Credits was opening. The program, which was created in 2001, is in its tenth round of allocations. This year’s allocation may make up to $5 billion of tax credits available. [Read more…]

USDA B&I Program Expects Changes in FY2012

by

It appears that the B&I program is looking to be a strong program in FY2012. Fees may potentially increase, and there will be some staff changes at USDA, but USDA has assured the public that the program will still be in “capable and experienced” hands. The amount of funds available to the program is potentially $832 million. Read more…

UA Startup Mentor Carol Reeves Recognized by Fortune

by

Photo by Bryce Duffy Carol Reeves
Photo by Bryce Duffy
Carol Reeves
Carol Reeves, the woman behind the success of business-plan competition teams from the University of Arkansas, has been recognized by Fortune as one of 10 women around the world “Doin’ It for Themselves.” The prestigious list includes celebrity entrepreneurs Chelsea Handler and Arianna Huffington. It recognizes these women for the passion and ambition displayed in their “quest to create the next great company.”

Carol Reeves is to business-plan competitions what Joe Paterno is to college football: A winning coach who inspires her teams, expects excellence, and keeps students focused on the big picture. [Read more…]

Renovations Taking Place at Arkansas Baptist College

by

Buffalo Development, LLC
Buffalo Development, LLC in Little Rock, AR
A groundbreaking was held today at Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock to kick off the renovation and expansion to be completed at the college with the assistance of New Market Tax Credit financing from Heartland Renaissance Fund LLC. The tax credits are being used to renovate Old Main, and to construct new residential facilities, classroom space, and a dining facility. [Read more…]

Delta Conference Center to Open in Desha County

by

Delta Conference Center
Delta Conference Center in Tillar, AR
Heartland Renaissance Fund announced today that it is financing a new business and community center, lodge, and clay shooting recreational complex in Tillar, Arkansas, using New Market Tax Credits. The Delta Conference Center & Resort will host numerous events, including a world-class clay shooting tournament, aiming to attract visitors to the area. [Read more…]