Press Releases

Little Rock, Arkansas – Congressman French Hill (AR-02) announced the launch of the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) and the Venture Center’s ThinkTech Accelerator during their joint press conference today.

The Venture Center, in partnership with the ICBA and the State of Arkansas, are collaborating to create a community bank-focused Fintech accelerator program. This is the only accelerator program in the nation with a focus on community bank innovation in the digital age.

“I’m proud of the effort of the Venture Center, ICBA, and the State of Arkansas to make ThinkTech Accelerator a reality,” said Hill. “This is the kind of innovation the industry needs as we help to modernize and streamline financial services firms. Little Rock continues to be on the forefront of technology, and I’m confident this partnership will boost our state’s economy, strengthen community banks, and attract even more tech talent to our state – which all directly helps and impacts central Arkansans.”

Background:

This first-of-its-kind Fintech accelerator will provide an outlet for community banks to directly engage and partner with early-stage Fintech companies focusing exclusively on community bank product development and solutions. 

With a revitalized and growing downtown area, access to tech talent, low cost of living and the support of the local community, Little Rock is a technology hub haven. The city has a strong history of creating global players in Fintech and Big Data, which in return has created a strong hub for community banks. With the addition of the ICBA ThinkTech Accelerator, the Venture Center will continue to help nurture and grow young tech companies into large, national players in the technology industry.