Investments
Federal Reserve Sees Tariffs Raising Inflation This Year, Keeps Key Rate Unchanged
The Fed also now expects the economy to grow more slowly this year and next than it did three months ago.
by Associated Press -
When Federal Reserve officials last met in late January, things looked pretty good. What a difference seven weeks makes.
![AAPI Achieve is the first mentorship program in the state specifically designed for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. [PHOTO provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC02374_opt-84x115.jpg)
The Venture Center in Little Rock launched AAPI Achieve, Arkansas’ first mentorship program for Asian American and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs, to foster community, business growth, and representation.
The bankers behind Grand Savings Bank in Bentonville are set to acquire Stark Bancshares Inc. of Bolivar, Missouri, and its subsidiary LimeBank, in a deal valued at under $12.5 million.
Little Rock’s FoxDen Capital Buys Office in Rogers for $2.4M
FoxDen Capital of Little Rock purchased a 4,319 SF office building in Rogers for $2.4 million, financed by a $3.7 million loan from Malvern National Bank.
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Barnaby Group to Announce Expansion Plans at AMFA Gala
The Barnaby Group, new owner of the Town Pump in Little Rock, plans to expand in Arkansas with upcoming projects to be announced at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts Tabriz Gala on April 5. read more >
In His Own Words: Trump Takes Credit for Stock Market Rises but Casts Aside Blame for Sell-Off
President Donald Trump in recent days has dismissed fears of a recession and brushed aside the stock market sell-off, going so far as to say, “You can’t really watch the stock market." That's a new message from a leader who has frequently pointed to the market's ups and downs as a reflection of himself and his activities, even when he was not in power. read more >
by Associated Press -
American AI Market Forecast to Hit $224B by 2030
The size of the artificial intelligence market in the United States is forecast to increase every year between 2025 and 2030, reaching $223.68 billion by 2030, according to data provider […] read more >
Dillard’s Stock Drops Sharply From February Peak
What a difference 13 days makes. read more >
![Serafina Lalany, executive director of StartupNWA: “We’re starting to see a dramatic change in our region around access to capital.” [Michael Woods]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/DSC_8682_opt-300x194.jpg)
Arkansas Competes with Major Tech Hubs for Entrepreneurs and Startups
Arkansas' tech ecosystem is rapidly growing, with entrepreneurs flocking to the state for its supportive community, access to capital and startup-friendly environment. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Promotions Announced at Encore Bank, Hendrix College & Visit Bentonville (Movers & Shakers)
Discover the latest leadership moves in Arkansas across banking, health care, nonprofits, and more, featuring key hires, promotions, and board appointments. read more >
![Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. is building a natural gas-fueled generation facility near Naples, Texas, to help meet growing demand for electricity. [rendering provided]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Screenshot_2025-03-03_at_12.43.01e280afPM_opt-300x194.jpg)
Arkansas Faces Surge in Power Demand from AI & Data Centers
As Arkansas braces for a power surge driven by booming industries, its affordable rates could fuel major economic growth — if utilities can keep up. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
Trump’s Erratic Trade Policies are Baffling Businesses, Threatening Investment and Economic Growth
His tariffs on Canada and Mexico effectively blow up a 2020 North American trade deal he negotiated himself five years ago. read more >
by Associated Press -
Commercial Real Estate Value Rebounds Modestly in 2024
After plunging in 2023, the value of commercial real estate investment in the U.S. experienced a modest improvement in 2024, the data provider Statista reported in February. “According to industry […] read more >
BSR’s New Texas Development Weighs on Q4 Results, but Operating Income Rises for Full Year
The company also announced the hiring of Tom Cirbus as CFO. He spent the past 11 years in the investment banking division of Wells Fargo. read more >
Insurance Agencies The River Co. and Rogers Insurance to Merge and Rebrand
The new company, known as ANKR, would be one of the largest insurance firms in Arkansas by employee count. read more >
by Scott Carroll -
Venture Center Launches $10M Investment Fund
The fund focuses on Arkansas-based, technology-driven companies that are expected to generate great economic benefit to the state and region. read more >
Stuart Dalrymple on Commercial Real Estate Trends & Searcy’s Growth
Commercial real estate investment faces challenges from rising interest rates and development costs, but strategic planning and community investment continue to drive growth in markets like Searcy.
read more >
![Holiday Inn Express at 3121 Bankhead Drive in Little Rock. [Google Maps]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot_2025-02-19_at_2.02.46e280afPM_opt-300x194.jpg)
LR Hotel Registers $6.9M Transaction (Real Deals)
Maulik Hotel LLC, led by Pankaj Patel, Inderjit Singh, Parwinder Singh and Miteshkumar Patel, acquired the Holiday Inn Express at 3121 Bankhead Drive. read more >
by George Waldon -
![Chris Monroe, left, and Greyson Skokos, principals at Moses Tucker Partners, lead the leasing effort at The Promenade at Chenal. [jason Burt]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/JBP_4092_opt-300x194.jpg)
The Promenade at Chenal’s Journey From Foreclosure to a $73M Deal with Tanger
The Little Rock retail landmark has weathered financial turbulence, a near-exit by Apple that could have derailed the entire project, and an ownership shakeup that saw a foreclosure in 2019. read more >
by George Waldon -
![The Four Points Sheraton at 211 SE Walton Blvd. in Bentonville. It had total operating revenue of $385,126 in 2024. [Michael Woods]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DSC_3189_opt-300x194.jpg)
Benton County Businessman Sues Over Land Deal Gone Wrong, Claims Fraud
Nagaraju Bavirisetti is suing Kunal Mody for fraud, claiming he paid over $300,000 for land in Bentonville that Mody couldn’t transfer due to a $10 million loan foreclosure. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Encore Bank, UAMS, AEDC Announce New Leadership & Promotions (Movers & Shakers)
Notable moves include Amy Brown joining Washington Regional and Eric Movassaghi stepping into the CFO role at Encore Bank. read more >
BSR Positions Itself for Growth — or a Sale — Through $619M Deal With AvalonBay
The deal includes a change in shareholder power that BSR believes will make it more attractive to investment partners or prospective buyers. read more >
by Scott Carroll -
Warren Buffett’s Annual Letter: What the Billionaire Wants From Uncle Sam & Wall Street
Buffett no longer ventures much into politics or current events in his letters, so he won't offend anyone who might take it out on his many companies that include well-known ones like Geico insurance, Dairy Queen and Helzberg jewelry. read more >
by Associated Press -
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![Dr. Burke Soffe, dean of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine: “This will provide a generational impact on oral health in the state.” [Karen Segrave]](https://arkansasbusiness.wppcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/ARBusiness-Lyon-Dental-School-0174_opt-150x150.jpg)
