Free vendor space open for event
Free vendor space is available for the Unity Back 2 School Bash scheduled for July 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Convention Center.
Hosted by Pine Bluff Group Violence Intervention, this free event will include food, activities, fellowship and school supplies for the children who attend with a parent or guardian, according to Stuff in The Bluff.com. Please note that a clear bag policy will be enforced.
Free vendor opportunities are available for small businesses and organizations. Completed forms may be returned to Rev. Eric Walden Jr. by email at ewalden@jeffersoncircuitcourt6.org. They may also be mailed or hand delivered to 301 E. Second Ave., by Monday.
Details: Rev. Eric Walden at (870) 541-.5455 or (870) 718-5123 or GVI Director Kevin Crumpton at (870) 510-0386.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Soybean board to meet in Watson
The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board will meet at 9:30 a.m. July 30 at the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Rowher Experiment Station at Watson, according to a news release.
To attend via Zoom, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86589124267?pwd=E8gwwiQN7Tm68rL9ub3ki6SOmH4htU.1 and use Passcode: 675719Or One tap mobile: +19292056099,,86589124267#,,,,*675719# US (New York).
Details: Arkansas Department of Agriculture, (501) 225-1598.
Forestry Division seeks grant proposals
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division invites grant proposals for the 2024 Urban and Community Forestry Grant Assistance Program. Funding supports sustainable forestry projects across Arkansas, according to a news release.
The program offers:
Up to $1.4 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding for projects in economically vulnerable communities, with grants up to $500,000 per project.
Up to $30,000 in non-Inflation Reduction Act funding for projects statewide, with grants up to $10,000 per project.
The application deadline is Aug. 30. Successful applicants will be notified by Oct. 1.
Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Grants are administered by the Forestry Division and funded by the U.S. Forest Service. Complete grant details and an online application are available at https://www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/forestry/urban-community-forestry/ or by emailing ADA.UCF.Grants@agriculture.arkansas.gov.
SBA grants to enhance cybersecurity
Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced $3 million in new funding under the Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Pilot Program.
Three grants will be awarded to state agencies to provide training, counseling, and other tailored cybersecurity services for startups and emerging entrepreneurs, according to a news release.
Applicants can apply for awards ranging from $1,000,000 to $1,045,000 for a performance period of 24 months ending September 2026.
Applications will be accepted through Aug. 2. To learn more about SBA’s programs and services related to cybersecurity, visit www.sba.gov/cybersecurity and https://www.nist.gov/itl/smallbusinesscyber.
Riceland chair to speak at NE field day
Riceland Foods Chairman Rich Hillman will be the keynote speaker for the Aug. 8 rice field day at the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center, an event that will include presentations about research and production and tours of the new center at Harrisburg.
The field day opens at 7:30 a.m. with registration and breakfast with lunch and keynote at noon.
There are two tours. The first round of tours departs at 8 a.m. and they will be repeated at 10 a.m., so participants can see all of the presentations. A trade show with industry booths runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Attendees may RSVP by Aug. 1. at https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=T5VNF15Yw0CuHAGtpfJnI3n61ch9S5NBskGhG1BR4LpUMDU4Nk5LWTJDWDlFQUtQR0lSQVlZM0tRVC4u .
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact a local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu.