Last year was a big year for the Cox Building. In January, the bookstore moved out and a brand-new business incubator program moved in – The Rock It! Lab. The RIL is a partnership between CALS and Advancing Black Entrepreneurship (ABE) focused on helping business owners (or aspiring business owners) in under-resourced communities. The program is multi-pronged,
Can I join the incubator program at any time?
The Rock It! Lab is located at 120 River Market Avenue, Little Rock, in the historic Cox Building. The three floors are divided into spaces that can be used by all members of the different RIL programs. Individuals who are not members of the incubator program but need “office space” to operate their developing businesses can utilize The Village coworking space by becoming coworking members.
On Thursday, July 22, 2021, onlookers cheered as Benito Lubazibwa, Director of ABE (Advancing Black Entrepreneurship) cut the ribbon held by CALS Executive Director Nate Coulter, Mayor Frank Scott Jr., and Andre Webster. Guests were invited to tour the Cox Building, previously housing the bookstore, as the new home of the Rock It! Lab –
On October 17, the Rock It! Lab officially inaugurated the first class of entrepreneurs. The class includes individuals with businesses that run the gamut from simply an idea to those who already have a full-fledged business and want to take their ideas to the next level.
If you’re not familiar with the Rock It!
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