Connecting with others is at the heart of what makes us thrive. Think about it — from ancient times to now, working together and being part of a community has fueled our progress. It’s what makes downtown areas thrive — the proximity and community.  

It’s also what makes downtown Conway the perfect place for an entrepreneurial community like the Arnold Innovation Center.    

The entrepreneurial journey is a mix of highs and lows. While being your own boss offers flexibility and independence, it can also feel isolating, exhausting, and filled with uncertainties. According to score.org, a significant number of business owners work long hours, often exceeding the conventional 60-hour workweek. The challenges are numerous, making a strong, supportive community vital for entrepreneurs. 

Right in the heart of downtown Conway, the Arnold Innovation Center fosters a thriving community and coworking culture for entrepreneurs and small business owners, providing a community of peers and support. A supportive environment is not just a luxury but a necessity for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape successfully. Harvard Business Review emphasizes the importance of a sense of community at work, citing that individuals in such environments are 58% more likely to thrive, 55% more engaged, and experience significantly less stress.  

The mission of the Arnold Innovation Center is to provide an affordable physical space for startups and small businesses to launch, collaborate, and grow. We recognize the significance of creating a supportive community, and to further this, the team at the AIC has introduced initiatives like monthly peer groups, member luncheons, and quarterly happy hours. These events provide platforms for entrepreneurs to discuss their experiences, network, and find encouragement among like-minded individuals. There is a wide range of diversity among the members of the AIC. Some of our members include software developers, HVAC, digital marketing, jewelry making, small-scale farming, bookkeeping services, financial planning, janitorial services, app developers, and the list goes on. The goal goes beyond offering physical space; it’s about cultivating an environment where entrepreneurs of any discipline can exchange support, encouragement, and advice.  

A supportive community not only benefits individual entrepreneurs but also plays a crucial role in driving the broader economy. Coworkingconnection.com notes that strong business communities not only generate jobs but also encourage business owners to invest in and improve their local community. The Arnold Innovation Center is not just a place; it’s a community where entrepreneurs motivate and persist through challenges, forming relationships beyond the typical 9-to-5 job and reinvesting in the community. 

Placing these early-stage companies at the heart of downtown Conway, the Arnold Innovation Center illustrates that the journey of entrepreneurship is not a solitary one, but a collective effort that thrives on shared experiences and mutual support. 

The Arnold Innovation Center offers low-cost membership options with the basic membership starting at $25 per month. Other benefits include reservable meeting spaces, snacks and coffee, lockers, a community of entrepreneurs, walking distance from your favorite restaurants and shops downtown, and more. If you are interested in learning more about the Arnold Innovation Center or Conductor, just go to arconductor.org/aic.