501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
We are open by appointment and to Rock It! Lab program participants. To make an appointment, please call 501-320-5748 or email lrpatterson@cals.org.
Introducing Rock It! Lab
The Rock It! Lab, a partnership of the library system and Advancing Black Entrepreneurship, is a learning and start-up hub designed to promote entrepreneurship, particularly in under-resourced communities. Located in the Cox Building at 120 River Market Avenue in downtown Little Rock, the Rock It! Lab was developed as a place for aspiring business owners to access useful, reliable, and free information to aid them throughout the process of starting their company.
September 7 @ 12:00 pm
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Beyond the Idea: Startups and their Stories – Nitzia David of Nitzia’s Designs
Starting a business from your passions is a dream of many. Come listen to Nitzia David talk about her journey from crafting to creating beautiful floral designs for special occasions in this edition of Beyond the Idea: Startups and Their Stories.
This event will take place on the Zoom platform. Free registration is required.
August 3 @ 12:00 pm
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Beyond the Idea: Startups and their Stories: Sara Hurst and Bella’s Kitchen
Sometimes our best ideas are born from needs we can’t get fulfilled in the current marketplace. That’s the story of Sara Hurst’s brand Bella’s Kitchen. In this conversation, we’ll learn how not finding nutritious prepared food options for her growing toddler led to the creation of a ready-made wholesome meals service business.
This event will take place on the Zoom platform.
Rock It! Lab Mentorship Program
We’re looking for business mentors to share their knowledge and experience to help startups achieve success and entrepreneurs in need of mentorship.
Mentorship is essential for startup founders to succeed. This is why Rock It! Lab is committed to providing entrepreneurs at all stages with access to mentors with real-world experience to assist them in starting and growing their businesses.
The Rock It! Lab mentorship program is designed to provide one-on-one mentorship to help businesses succeed and avoid common mistakes along the way, as the most valuable advice often comes from someone who has already been down the road you’re traveling.
If you are interested in becoming a Mentor for Rock It! Lab or requesting a mentor, please submit an application at the link below.
Rock It! Lab Consultation
Many people dream of owning their own business, but starting a business is not easy and growing it is even harder.
At the Rock It! Lab, we will help you navigate the early stages of your entrepreneurial journey and help you build a viable business.
Sign up for a FREE consultation.
Rock It! Lab Incubator Program
The overall goal of The Rock It! Lab (RIL) incubator program is to provide free and low-cost assistance to help startups and early stage companies develop and grow their businesses.
Apply to join the Incubator Program now.
Shop Black Live
Shop Black Live is an online marketplace where people can shop quality products at affordable prices from Black owned businesses.”People can shop safely and from home for quality products,” says Benito Lubazibwa, CEO of ReMix Ideas and founder of Shop Black Live. “As with all of our projects, from ReMix Ideas Business Academy to Pop-Up crowdfunding, we are building runways for Black entrepreneurs to thrive through unconventional platforms and solutions.” Lubazibwa says ReMix Ideas in partnership with Quality Video Services decided to start the Shop Black Live due to ongoing inequities that Black entrepreneurs are experiencing due to systemic racism.Shop Black Live is more than a marketplace, it is a grassroot movement for economic justice.Shop Black – “Let’s build a more equitable economic system together.”Learn More
