Van Buren, AR- January 23, 2026 – Local community development leaders from Van Buren and Crawford County are helping bring new growth opportunities to area businesses through participation in a statewide initiative designed to support Arkansas companies ready to scale.



Tracy Burba, Commissioner of Van Buren Municipal Utilities Board; Sasha Grist, Executive Director of Western Arkansas Planning and Development; Shannon Newerth-Henson, Van Buren City Council Member; and Julie Murray, President and CEO of the Van Buren Chamber are part of the 75Strong program. Through the program, they are actively recruiting local businesses to participate in the newly launched 75Strong Business Building Program, a 24-week, no-cost program focused on helping companies build strong growth strategies, leadership systems, and operational foundations.

The program is open to businesses in Crawford County with annual revenues between $100,000 and $10 million that are growth-oriented and looking to scale sustainably. Applications are open through April 10, 2026, with programming beginning April 29.
“We are excited to bring this incredible opportunity to our business community in Crawford County,” stated Sasha Grist, 75 Strong Cohort Member.  "We encourage every eligible business to apply and if selected, they won’t be going through the program alone.  The four of us in the cohort will be going through the program with them and supporting them along the way.”

Participating companies will complete a diagnostic to identify opportunities and challenges, followed by bi-weekly virtual sessions covering seven key growth areas, including financial management, revenue growth, leadership, operations, digital readiness, and innovation. Businesses will also have access to subject matter expert office hours to apply what they’re learning directly to their company.

“Sustainable economic growth starts with strong local businesses,” said Drew Smith, Director of 75Strong. “This program gives Arkansas companies the structure, guidance, and support they need to scale intentionally, while keeping leadership, jobs, and investment rooted in their communities.”

The Business Building Program builds on the foundation of 75Strong to train economic developers and community leaders across Arkansas. This phase moves that work directly into local economies by supporting the businesses those leaders serve.
The program is facilitated by Conductor and provided at no cost to accepted companies thanks to investment from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The program is delivered entirely online to ensure accessibility for participating companies.
To learn more and apply, businesses in  Crawford County can visit https://75strongarkansas.org/business-building-landing-page or contact Julie Murray at the Van Buren Chamber.
 
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About the Conductor
The Conductor, a public-private partnership with the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie, drives innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment in central Arkansas and beyond through high-impact programming and one-on-one consulting at no cost.  Conductor also manages the coworking, meeting space, and lease space at the Arnold Innovation Center at 1201 Oak Street Conway, AR, which offers low-cost solutions to the workspace needs of central Arkansas entrepreneurs and small business owners. 
 
About the Van Buren Chamber
As a private nonprofit, membership-driven organization, the Van Buren Chamber has proudly served our business community since 1955.  Our mission is to prepare, develop, and promote the Van Buren community for economic growth.  This mission is achieved by serving as a catalyst for community and business growth, a convener of leaders to make things happen, and a champion for economic growth.  The Yeager Family Entrepreneurial Support Organization (ESO) is a program of the Van Buren Chamber designed to support small businesses and startups at every stage! The ESO exists to remove barriers, connect resources, and create a clear pathway for small businesses and entrepreneurs to grow and thrive. 
 
 
Contact:
Drew Smith
75Strong Program Director
drew@arconductor.org
 
Julie Murray
President & CEO
Van Buren Chamber
julie@vanburenchamber.org

Sasha Grist
Western Arkansas Planning and Development District
sgrist@wapdd.org

Shannon Newerth-Henson
Council Member
City of Van Buren
newerthhensonvb@gmail.com