JONESBORO, Ark. — Arkansas State University’s Scarlet to Black Program is set to hold its 11th annual Small Business Leadership Conference on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Reng Student Union. The event, now a key part of National Entrepreneurship Month, will host students ranging from third to sixth grade from schools across the region.
Dr. Philip Tew, the program’s director and an associate professor of finance at A-State, explained that the event historically draws around 300 young participants. Originally launched in 2016 as a small business expo, the conference has evolved into a robust and interactive learning experience designed to engage students in economic education and financial literacy.
Participating students have been tasked with designing unique toy ideas targeted at their age group ahead of the conference. As part of the competition, they also crafted business plans, print advertisements, commercials, and elevator pitches to present to a panel of judges.
“Our goal with all of our events is to provide students with hands-on, interactive learning experiences that will keep them engaged, give them an opportunity to practice essential skills like teamwork and critical thinking, and hopefully get them interested in economic education and financial independence,” said Melanie Ricker, assistant director of the Scarlet to Black Program.
Schools represented at the event include Jonesboro’s Magnet Schools (Visual and Performing Arts, International Studies, Health and Wellness, Leadership, and Math and Science), Nettleton University Heights School of Medical Arts, Nettleton Fox Meadow School of Creative Media, Nettleton STEAM Intermediate, Valley View Intermediate, Riverside Elementary, Manila Elementary, Wynne Intermediate, Earle Elementary, Tyronza Elementary, Marked Tree Elementary, Harrisburg Elementary, Buffalo Island Central, Pocahontas Elementary, Walnut Ridge Elementary, and Brookland Middle School.
Ricker emphasized the value of exposing students to entrepreneurial concepts early. “By introducing economic education at an early age, we’re helping students build their understanding and confidence to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities and make informed financial decisions,” she said.
The conference also provides opportunities for peer interaction and mentorship. “We love seeing the connections that form as students work with peers from other districts and interact with our college student volunteers,” Ricker noted.
To prepare for the event, Ricker and Tew visited 14 classrooms to energize students about participating and ensure details of the competition were clear.
The event highlights the Scarlet to Black Program’s broader mission to foster financial knowledge and economic empowerment among young Arkansans.