Revitalizing Pine Bluff: A Call to Action for Economic Empowerment

Pine Bluff, Arkansas, was once a beacon of Black entrepreneurship, innovation, and financial independence. As "Black Wall Street of Arkansas," our city thrived because of bold visionaries who built businesses that served and uplifted the community. That legacy, though challenged, is not lost. It is time to reclaim it. Cedric Burl & Company is dedicated to reigniting Pine Bluff’s business spirit by supporting entrepreneurs and fostering new opportunities for growth.

Why You Must Get Involved

Pine Bluff’s future is in our hands. If we don’t take ownership of our economic destiny, who will? Small businesses are the foundation of a thriving community, and when we create, support, and invest in businesses here, we don’t just make money—we build a sustainable future. Stronger businesses lead to better schools, safer neighborhoods, and opportunities for generational wealth.

Jefferson County needs your leadership. By launching a business, investing in local ventures, or mentoring young entrepreneurs, you contribute to a movement bigger than any one individual. The time for waiting is over. The time for action is now.

If you are a serious and concerned citizen, like Cedric Burl & Company, make sure you attend city council meetings, get involved, and support efforts for economic change. Be professional in your approach—change takes time, no matter who the mayor or city council members are. Transformation happens through patience, prayer, and professionalism. Even when it seems like progress is slow, trust that work is being done and that God is moving in the hearts of those in positions of power.

The city government needs our help just as much as we need their leadership. At the end of the day, it boils down to integrity on both sides. Once you secure funding to start a business, will you seek guidance when you need help, and will you be honest in your efforts? The same principle applies to city government—when they receive funding, do we have people in place with a high level of integrity to ensure that money is used for the people, equally and fairly, just as they would for themselves? Economic transformation requires accountability from both businesses and government leadership to truly uplift Pine Bluff.

Learning from Our Past, Investing in Our Future

Arkansas as well as Pine Bluff was once home to resilient, determined business pioneers who built lasting legacies. John H. Johnson, the founder of Ebony and Jet magazines, proved that vision and perseverance can create global success. Wiley Jones (1841–1904), a former enslaved person, became one of the wealthiest African Americans in Arkansas. Jones owned the first streetcar company in Pine Bluff and established a 55-acre park that hosted the Colored Industrial and Fair Association's annual events. He was also involved in various business ventures, including tobacco sales and real estate.

Joseph Carter Corbin (1833–1911), an educator and journalist, founded the Branch Normal College in Pine Bluff in 1875, which later became the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. He served as the institution's first principal and was instrumental in advancing education for African Americans in the region.

Merrill High School was established to serve African American students during segregation, becoming a cornerstone of Black education in Pine Bluff. It played a significant role in the community until its integration into the broader school system.

Their stories are our blueprint. We must follow in their footsteps, taking advantage of the resources available to us today.

Leveraging Local Resources: The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) is one of our greatest assets. With programs in agriculture, business, and technology, UAPB provides the knowledge and training necessary for entrepreneurial success. Agriculture is a trillion-dollar industry, and many prominent figures, including Kanye West and Rick Ross, have recognized the future of farmland investment. We have these resources right in our front yard—it’s time to use them.

A shining example of Pine Bluff’s potential is Carpenter’s Produce, a successful farming business based in Pine Bluff. It stands as proof that agriculture and entrepreneurship can thrive in our community, creating jobs and providing fresh, locally grown food.

Engaging Families with Historical Ties for Economic Restoration

Cedric Burl & Company is reaching out to descendants of families that historically benefited from enslaved labor, such as the Trulock family, the Yell family, just to name a few from the slave holders list ( Click Here To Learn More). It’s time for those who have inherited wealth built on oppression to contribute to rebuilding Pine Bluff.

We believe that many descendants have had a change of heart and want to be part of a positive movement. We welcome conversations with these families to create investment opportunities, restore community wealth, and support entrepreneurs. This is about justice, economic balance, and a shared responsibility to uplift the city.

Tapping into Wall Street’s Billions for Pine Bluff

If you look at the annual reports of Wall Street banks and hedge funds, you’ll see profits in the billions and trillions. Institutions like JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, BlackRock, and Vanguard have the capital. We just need someone to present Pine Bluff’s case in a way that moves decision-makers.

That’s where we come in. Cedric Burl & Company understands how to frame our needs in terms investors understand, securing capital to solve community challenges. We are working with city officials to engage financial institutions and leaders who can provide loans and grants to revitalize Pine Bluff.

Free and Paid Resources: Choose the Best Path for You

We know that starting and running a business can be daunting, which is why we’ve compiled free resources to get you started. This includes access to grants, loans, mentorship programs, and training. But if you need personalized assistance, we offer consulting services to help you build and execute a business plan, secure funding, and scale your operations.

This isn’t just about launching businesses; it’s about working together for the betterment of Pine Bluff. The resources are here. The opportunity is here. The support is here. Now, it’s up to you.

Let’s Build Together

The time for conversation has passed. Now is the time to act.

If you’re ready to start a business, invest in Pine Bluff, or be part of this movement, contact Cedric Burl & Company today. Let’s restore Pine Bluff’s economic greatness together.

Let us continue to pray for our families and community and take action to make Pine Bluff a thriving center for all once again.

Resources for Starting a Business in Pine Bluff, Jefferson County, and Arkansas

1. Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC)

• Website: asbtdc.org
• Contact: (800) 862-2040
• Services: Consulting, market research, and training for small businesses.

2. Jefferson County Economic Development Alliance

• Website: jeffersoncountyalliance.com
• Contact: (870) 535-0110
• Address: 510 Main Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71611
• Services: Assistance with incentives and navigating the startup process.

3. Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC)

• Website: arkansasedc.com
• Contact: (501) 682-1121
• Address: 1 Commerce Way, Suite 601, Little Rock, AR 72202
• Services: Funding programs, minority and women-owned business support.

4. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Arkansas District Office

• Website: sba.gov/district/arkansas
• Contact: (501) 324-7379
• Address: 2120 Riverfront Dr., Suite 1000, Little Rock, AR 72202
• Services: Funding, counseling, and federal contracting certifications.

5. Arkansas Women's Business Center

• Website: https://winrock.org/about/
• Contact: (870) 535-0011
• Address: 100 Main Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601
• Services: Training and access to capital for women entrepreneurs.

6. Arkansas Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

• Website: asbtdc.org/sbir
• Contact: (501) 683-7700
• Services: Funding for research and development-focused small businesses.

Additional Resources for Starting a Business in Pine Bluff & Jefferson County

1. The Generator Pine Bluff

• Website: thegeneratorpinebluff.org
• Contact: (870) 663-0200 | Email: [email protected]
• Services: Innovation hub offering coworking spaces, makerspaces, workshops, and one-on-one business consulting.

2. Economic Research and Development Center (ERDC) at UAPB

• Website: uapberdc.org
• Contact: (870) 575-8033 | Address: 615 S. Main Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601
• Services: Business incubation, entrepreneurial training, feasibility studies, and microfinancing support.

3. Arkansas Economic Development Institute (AEDI)

• Website: youraedi.com
• Contact: Address: 2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock, AR 72204
• Services: Economic research, community development planning, and business growth strategies.

4. Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC)

• Website: arhdc.org
• Services: Entrepreneurial training, technical assistance, and business development resources for low-income individuals.

5. Pine Bluff Regional Chamber of Commerce

• Website: jeffersoncountyalliance.com
• Contact: (870) 535-0110 | Address: 510 Main Street, PO Box 5069, Pine Bluff, AR 71611
• Services: Networking opportunities, business advocacy, and local economic development support.

These organizations provide valuable support for entrepreneurs in Pine Bluff and Jefferson County, offering business training, financial assistance, and community-driven resources to help businesses grow.

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