LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The Little Rock Technology Park received $1.5 million to expand as city directors approved the funds on June 18.
"It creates a lively environment for entrepreneurs," Tech Park Board Member Buckley O'Mell said.
The Little Rock Technology Park opened in 2017 on Main Street. Since then, it has become a place for the city's top minds to gather and create.
"[It's] basically a place where tech-based companies, particularly start-ups and younger companies, can collaborate and be in an environment with other tech-based companies," O'Mell said.
From a one-to-two-person operation to a handful of employees, there's a space to work.
However, as companies grow, more space is needed.
That's why Tech Park is entering Phase Two of its 20-year master plan and expanding into the building next door.
"Office sizes for a slightly larger company that is kind of in that next phase, but is not stable enough or not ready enough to be out in the world," O'Mell said.
The Tech Park's master plan aims to keep Arkansas's brightest and creative minds.
"If you are starting a new company and you have the chance to move to some other city that's offering a great space like this, and we don't have that here, you may move to go be in the type of environment," O'Mell said.
The Croissanterie will open in the Little Rock Technology Park in July. It will be a smaller version of its main store, selling coffee, croissants and other treats.