2025 2 Days To Startup

2025 2 Days To Startup

Join The Venture Center for “2 Days to Startup,” an exhilarating weekend full of innovation and impact!

By The Venture Center

Date and time

Location

Reynolds College of Business

South University Avenue Little Rock, AR 72204

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 30 days before event

Agenda

Friday
Saturday
Sunday

5:00 PM - 5:45 PM

Check-in + Networking

5:45 PM - 6:30 PM

Dinner

6:30 PM - 6:45 PM

Orientation

6:45 PM - 7:45 PM

Pitches Start + Voting

7:45 PM

Form Teams

8:00 PM

Begin Team Work

9:00 PM

Doors Close

About this event

Are You Ready to Ignite Your Social Entrepreneurship Journey?

Join The Venture Center for “2 Days to Startup,” an exhilarating weekend full of innovation and impact! Don’t quite have an idea, but curious about entrepreneurship in general? You’re in the right place! Lend your skills & experience by joining a team to help passionate entrepreneurs turn their visions into actions. Transform your vision, or make your business idea come to life by joining forces with like-minded entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals across creative, financial, and tech-centric fields.

Throughout this dynamic 48-hour event, you will delve into the heart of social entrepreneurship, using your business idea to address an issue or challenge experienced by Arkansans and supported by research. Examples include:

  • Rural poverty & economic disparities
  • Gaps in educational attainment
  • Health disparities & poor health outcomes

Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or an experienced business mind looking to lend your skillset, this weekend is designed to foster collaboration, learning, and real-world application.

  • Form Teams: Connect with a diverse group of individuals who share your passion for change
  • Develop Your Startup: From ideation to execution, map out the essentials of launching your business
  • Pitch to Success: Conclude the weekend by presenting your business plan to a panel of expert judges
  • Engage in future mentorship opportunities

The Venture Center is committed to providing a platform where creativity meets opportunity. Our goal is to ensure that every participant leaves equipped not only with new connections but also with a tangible plan to move forward.

Terms of Participation: By joining, you engage in a community built on respect, inclusiveness, and professionalism. You’ll agree to treat all participants, ideas, and facilities with care, and acknowledge the communal nature of the event, where ideas are shared freely and collaboratively.

Frequently asked questions

What's included in the ticket price?

Your ticket covers Friday evening kickoff, full-day programming on Saturday and Sunday—with workshops, mentoring, meals (breakfasts, lunch, snacks, and dinner), and of course, the final pitch event.

Who should attend?

Anyone with an interest in launching or supporting a startup: college students, creatives, engineers, seasoned entrepreneurs, and everyone in between. If you’re open to collaborating, learning through doing, and building from the ground up, this is the place to be.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Can I pitch an existing business or project?

No. This event is designed to cultivate new startup ideas. Pitching a mature or existing project goes against that goal. Facilitators reserve the right to disqualify pitches that undermine this spirit.

Do I have to pitch an idea to participate?

It’s not mandatory, but we think it’s incredibly valuable. Pitching helps you sharpen communication skills and even if you don’t pitch, you can still join a team and play a key role in turning someone else’s idea into reality.

I don't have an idea, can I still join?

Absolutely. Part of the magic of 2 Days to Startup is joining forces with others. Bring your skills in business, design, coding, marketing, etc. and contribute to a team’s vision.

Is full attendance required?

Yes. This weekend-long event is an immersive experience. Being there from start to finish ensures you contribute fully and benefit most. Weekend-only spectators can watch the final pitches on Sunday afternoon by purchasing a guest ticket.

What happens each day?

Friday evening: Registration, networking, and dinner. Then the 60-second idea pitches (no slides), followed by team formation and work time. Saturday: Full-day of team collaboration with workshops, mentorship, and meals provided. Sunday: Pitch prep, slide deck creation, presentation and awards.

What should I bring?

Laptop + charger Phone + charger Notepad & pen Optional tools (second monitor, extension cords, etc.) Energy, creativity, and a collaborative mindset! Special dietary needs? Feel free to bring your own food—we’ll have fridge space available if needed.

Can I bring my own food if I have dietary restrictions?

Yes! Just label your items and let us know if you’ll need refrigerator space. We’ll also do our best to offer a variety of options.

Do I need to arrive with a team?

Nope! All participants start solo. You’ll form teams after Friday night’s idea pitch.

Can friends and family attend the final pitches?

Yes! They’re welcome to purchase a guest ticket ($10) to attend the Sunday presentations and celebration.

What’s the refund or transfer policy?

Refunds are available up to 30 days before the event, afterward, tickets are transferable but non-refundable.

Who can I contact with questions not covered here?

Please email founders@venturecenter.co and we'll get back to you!

On Sale Jul 28 at 12:00 AM