Northwest Arkansas Entrepreneurship Alliance strives to facilitate a social engagement among Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurs to advocate critical thinking and foster strategic development of imaginative ventures. Application of age old business fundamentals, coupled with new age innovation, provide the basis for exciting new business opportunities ultimately making the Arkansas economy stronger and more resilient.
The NWAEA works closely with the University of Arkansas, allowing the student body to participate in and take advantage of the resources NWAEA’s community of entrepreneurs provides.
Currently, bi-weekly meetings are held at local venues. Think tank sessions and one on one appointments with individuals in the NWAEA are also available. Unique relationships are developed and experiences are established that not only build an idea or company, but build an entrepreneur. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to enter a Gone in 60 Seconds Pitch Contest patterned after the Harvard Business School Elevator Pitch Builder.
By bringing together the visions, experiences, mentorship and resources of Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurs, The Northwest Arkansas Entrepreneurship Alliance evolves.
Innovate Arkansas tracks the latest news and trends in technology and innovation throughout the world. To help Arkansas compete nationally and globally, Innovate Arkansas will coordinate efforts to help the growth of indigenous technology and knowledge-based enterprises that can diversify Arkansas’ economy and increase the base of higher-paying jobs in the state.
Innovate Arkansas is working with cutting edge technology-based innovators and entrepreneurs to create indigenous industries and businesses that will diversify and grow Arkansas’ economy. By doing so, Arkansas will benefit from an increase in higher-paying jobs and better opportunities for its college-educated youth, as well as entice young professionals from outside the state to relocate to Arkansas.
Entrepreneurs in every industry are welcome to share more than just space at The Iceberg; it’s expected that knowledge sharing, networking and general collaboration will create camaraderie among formal and informal support groups. Located in Fayetteville, but open to entrepreneurs throughout Northwest Arkansas, The Iceberg offers secure office space with the amenities that startup businesses need: phone, fax, copier, scanner, printer, presentation equipment and Internet access. The open floor plan with its contemporary design enables easy connections with peers, while the conference room is available for more formal meetings. Memberships are available at affordable rates.
The ARK is actively seeking applications for its entrepreneurial Bootcamp Challenge. Its objective is to recruit and select 15 young startup companies that will be ready to open their doors in Northwest Arkansas after the intensive mentoring of the bootcamp. The current application date is June 17, 2012 for the 14-week bootcamp that starts in August 2012.
As a new mentorship-driven business accelerator for technology startups, The ARK is a collaboration of private businesses and educational institutions, with funding from several Federal and State agencies. For details about targeted industries, the application process, the available funding and the rules of the Challenge, visit the website at The ARK Challenge.
The Natural State Angel Association is the first formal angel network in Northwest Arkansas. The group meets bi-monthly or quarterly, and currently has more than 80 members. Interested parties should contact Jeff Amerine at jeff@innovatearkansas.org. Mr. Amerine is a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, teaches entrepreneurship at the UA Walton College of Business, works for Innovate Arkansas and helped start the Natural State Angel Association.