SoMa 501

Elizabeth Michael loves her role as executive director of SoMa 501, the nonprofit that promotes business and good living in Little Rock’s South Main Street neighborhood. But she does have to serve 60 bosses.

Those are the business owners, property holders and residents who care deeply about the neighborhood’s future.

“Balancing the needs and perspectives of so many passionate stakeholders requires constant communication, diplomacy, and a steady commitment” to SoMa 501’s mission, Michael said.

That is to champion the area’s economy, celebrate its history and “cultivate an exceptional downtown experience.”

The nonprofit is growing; its events drew nearly 36,000 attendees in 2024.

“We increased income from $40,071 in 2022 to $95,087 in 2023, and to $188,462 in 2024,” Michael said.

SoMa 501 is one of the state’s largest designated Main Street Arkansas organizations.

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