LITTLE ROCK, AR --
Arkansas Baptist College leaders turn ground on the Scott Ford Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development.The building will house programs to spur small business creation and help the school expand by selling coffee from Rwanda.
"When you think about where crime is the highest, job opportunities are the lowest," said President Fitz Hill.
President Hill said the goal is to revitalize the entire area so not only businesses will come but also customers. It started with taking over the nearby car wash and opening a fresh market. The proceeds go to the college.
"Rather than say, 'hey give me a quarter', it's no, clean your car and invest in the community. Buy fresh fruits and vegetables and invest in this community," said Hill.
Brittney McCall grew up near the school. She notices a renewed sense of pride among neighbors since all the construction.
"People aren't afraid to live in the neighborhood anymore or to come around this place," said McCall.
With the groundbreaking, the college has plugged in nearly $30 million into this community. They're not done. More dorms and classrooms are planned as they recruit more students."
"It looks better. I think they've been just a positive influence," said McCall.
