Cliff McKinney has been featured in a new video series developed by the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation as part of its Start Smart curriculum, a free educational program designed to equip early-stage entrepreneurs with the foundational knowledge needed to build and grow successful businesses.
The Start Smart modules are taught by subject-matter experts from across Arkansas and are offered in a flexible, self-paced format, allowing participants to engage with the content on their own schedules. The comprehensive training series covers a wide range of practical topics, including artificial intelligence, venture capital fundraising, brand development, and other key considerations for emerging business leaders.
The program is a collaborative initiative between the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the University of Arkansas School of Law, and the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation, with support from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
Cliff’s first contribution to the series, “AI in Practice: Benefits and Risks for Entrepreneurs,” is now available for viewing through the Start Smart platform. In this session, he provides practical guidance on leveraging artificial intelligence tools while addressing the legal and risk management considerations that accompany their use in a business setting.
Two additional videos featuring Cliff will be released in the coming weeks: “Legal Issues Every Entrepreneur Should Know Before Signing a Commercial Lease” (available at the end of February) and “Legal Issues Every Entrepreneur Should Know Before Buying Commercial Real Estate” (available in early April). These sessions are designed to help entrepreneurs better understand critical legal considerations before making significant real estate commitments.
The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation develops and curates innovation and entrepreneurship programming for students across all disciplines at the University of Arkansas. Through initiatives such as the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, the McMillon Innovation Studio, and Startup Village, the Office provides free workshops, venture internships, startup coaching, competitions, and innovation design teams. The Office also offers on-demand support for students pursuing entrepreneurial ventures and those seeking to drive innovation within established organizations.
A managing member of the law firm, Cliff McKinney concentrates his practice on real estate, land use, and business transactions. He is a Fellow of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers and the American College of Mortgage Attorneys.