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Christie Lindsey, President/CEO of Phoenix Youth and Family Services, has been selected to represent Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha and Drew Counties in the inaugural cohort of 75Strong, a statewide program designed to empower local leaders to build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems, support small businesses, and drive economic growth.
Led by Conductor and Startup Junkie and funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), 75Strong equips participants with the tools, training, and resources needed to address the unique challenges facing entrepreneurs and small businesses in Arkansas. Conductor, based in Conway, is a public-private partnership dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs, innovators, and small businesses in Arkansas through education, programming, and consulting - all at no-cost. The program is funded by AEDC, the state agency responsible for creating economic opportunities and supporting workforce development throughout Arkansas.
"This cohort is full of driven, passionate community leaders who will be change-makers in their community and this state," said Grace Rains, Executive Director of Conductor, "we cannot wait to work with all of these individuals, and learn from them and their communities as they grow their local economies and lower barriers to entrepreneurship"
As part of 75Strong, Christie Lindsey will engage in a two-year entrepreneurial development program and earn the Entrepreneurial Development Professional (EDP) certification from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). This nationally recognized credential equips participants with the tools to develop strategic plans tailored to their communities, foster economic growth, and provide direct support to small businesses and startups.
Through this program, Christie Lindsey will also help recruit businesses in Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha and Drew Counties to participate in a statewide business-building curriculum and collaborate with local stakeholders to implement initiatives that foster job creation and economic resilience. These efforts aim to strengthen Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha and Drew Counties’ entrepreneurial ecosystem while driving long-term growth and innovation.
“ As a 75Strong Cohort Member and CEO of Phoenix Youth and Family Services, Inc., I see entrepreneurship as a powerful force for change. Being part of this cohort is more than an opportunity—it’s a responsibility to serve, uplift, and create pathways for others. I’m grateful to walk alongside passionate leaders who share a vision for transforming communities through entrepreneurship. Together, we’re building something bigger than ourselves—creating lasting impact through access, innovation, and opportunity, one business at a time."
The 75Strong program is unique in its focus on creating sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems by bringing together leaders from diverse communities—urban and rural—across Arkansas. The program emphasizes collaboration, targeted support, and hands-on learning to address the unique needs of Arkansas’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. Leaders like Christie Lindsey will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their regions by using the tools and strategies gained through 75Strong to empower local businesses and foster innovation.
For more information about the 75Strong program, visit 75strongarkansas.com.
