The Invest Fort Smith 2025 event is set for Nov. 13 at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) Center for Economic Development in the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith.

Main Street Fort Smith and PRIME: River Valley Professional Summit have partnered with UAFS on the event, which is “designed to connect entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders with resources, insights, and opportunities that are shaping Fort Smith’s future,” according to a press release from Main Street Fort Smith.

The free event begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. with a happy hour to follow at the Digs restaurant in the Bakery District. Lunch will be provided. Link here to register.

“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,” Amanda Hager, executive director of Main Street Fort Smith, said in a statement. “It’s all about making connections that turn opportunity into action.”

Following is the event schedule.
• 9:30 to 10:50 a.m.: professional headshots with Kane Bassham, PlusGrand Media (There is a $25 fee for headshots.)

• 11 to 11:45 a.m.: Opening remarks, and lunch and learn about resources for businesses with Victoria Walls, CityView – City of Fort Smith, and Ty Barrett, Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center

• Noon to 12:50 p.m.: ChatGPT in Action, with Aric Mitchell, publisher of mAIn Street

• 1 to 2 p.m.: panel discussion, “Fort Smith is Growing: Turning Opportunities into Action,” with Sam Sicard, president, CEO, and chairman of First National Bank of Fort Smith; Col. Nick Idhe, commander of the U.S. Air Force 85th Fighter Group; Barrett; and Fort Smith Director Christina Catsavis

• 2 to 2:30 p.m.: “Vendor Mingle” with local organizations and service providers

• 2:30 to 3:50 p.m.: panel discussion, “Invest x PRIME — Reinvesting in Downtown Fort Smith: How to Revitalize, Restore, and Reimagine,” with Hagar; Stuart Ghan with Ghan & Cooper Commercial Properties; Ashleigh Bachert, director of the Fort Smith Advertising and Promotion Commission; and Terra Harvell, with Harper Ellis Hair Co.

• 4 to 5 p.m.: Happy hour at Digs

According to its website, Main Street Fort Smith “is a nonprofit committed to creating vibrant spaces in downtown Fort Smith through business development, arts and culture, special events, and the promotion of attractive amenities to accelerate development of diverse commerce.”

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