ARise

Trying to build a startup in Arkansas and wondering what support is actually out there? This no-cost, virtual event is your chance to hear directly from AEDC leaders about programs, funding, and incentives built for Arkansas entrepreneurs. ?? April 8 | ? 12–1PM | ?? Online ?? Grab your spot: https://lu.ma/ynx0hfpz

If you're looking for some invaluable advice on strategies for generating sustained growth in your business - you need to check out the Innovation Junkie podcast with Jeff Amerine, PMP and Jeff D. Standridge, Ed.D.! These two have put out countless episodes that can transform your startup if put into action!! ??

?? SME Spotlight: Tiffany Henry ?? Meet Tiffany, a champion for entrepreneurship, access to capital, and community development. At Arkansas Capital Corporation, she leads the EDGE Initiative, empowering entrepreneurs in higher ed and rural communities. She’s a fundraising and ecosystem-building pro, having worked with 1 Million Cups, Global Entrepreneurship Week, and the Kauffman Foundation to grow startup support networks. ?? Expertise: Access to Capital | Talent Development | Community Engagement ?? Need guidance on funding or ecosystem growth? Apply to ARise to connect with Tiffany! ?? https://lnkd.in/gb-vvyrN

?? The hardest part of raising capital isn’t the pitch—it’s getting in the right rooms. Every founder knows the grind: endless cold emails, lukewarm intros, and trying to prove that your market isn’t “too early” or “too niche.” But what if the investors came to you? That’s exactly why we started VC Immersions. On May 14, we’re bringing 20+ top venture firms to Northwest Arkansas for curated 1:1 meetings with high-growth startups. ?? Last cycle, 261+ meetings led to 12 companies funded and nearly $10M in term sheets. If you're raising in the next 6-18 months, this is your shot to get in front of investors who are actively writing checks. ?? Apply by April 7 → https://lnkd.in/gnuM-Qyy Even if you’re not selected for 1:1 meetings, you’ll still be invited to broader investor-founder events happening around the program. The best founders don’t wait for opportunity—they put themselves in the right rooms. Tag a founder who should apply. ?? Charles Hudson Adam Besvinick Tara Nikkhoo Scott Lopano Lisa Stone Amber Illig Matt Miller, PhD Julian Counihan Will Hawthorne Susan Moring Nathaniel Harding Monique Woodard Michael Cardamone Brett Calhoun Kristi Ebong Matt Hickman Jay Kapoor Kate Evinger David Matthews Caroline Lewis Maggie Kenefake Nelson Peacock Nathan Green Mikayla Dietz Mary Mickel Quinn Robertson Canem Arkan Kristopher Adams Jeff Amerine, PMP Brett Amerine Donald Huffner Matt Tarver Paige Jernigan Jim Smith Rebecca Hurst Samantha Colletti Bobby Franklin Brian Wardle

You guys showed UP last night for our Zero-Dollar Marketing panel! The room was packed with startup founders, creative entrepreneurs, and marketing experts all looking for ways to grow on a budget. And our panel delivered with actionable, no-cost strategies that WORK. Huge thanks to Startup Junkie for teaming up with us, and to everyone who joined! If you made it out, drop the best marketing tip you’re taking with you! ?? Kristopher Adams | Startup Junkie | Arkansas Economic Development Commission | Conductor | Daniel Koonce | Harrison Kitson | Kendall Jasper | Bryan Fittin | Rashel Hariri | Rebecca Black | Jeff Amerine, PMP | Jeff D. Standridge, Ed.D. | Caleb Talley | Brett Amerine

?? Last Chance! Don’t Miss Out on Zero-Dollar Marketing Magic! ?? No budget? No problem. The best marketers don’t rely on big ad spends—they use creativity, strategy, and guerrilla tactics to win. Want to learn how? ??? March 18 | ? 6:00 - 7:30 PM | ?? Fayetteville Public Library Join ARise + Startup Junkie for this insider session with powerhouse marketers with real startup and small business experience! ?? Spots are filling up—don’t wait! Register now: https://bit.ly/4kuF01R #ZeroDollarMarketing #StartupSuccess #NoBudgetNoProblem #Startup #Tech #Marketing #AI #Arkansas Kaitlyn Loughridge | Jeff Amerine, PMP | Caleb Talley | Brett Amerine | Harrison Kitson | Daniel Koonce | Conductor | Grace Rains, MBA | Jeff D. Standridge, Ed.D. | City of Fayetteville, Arkansas | Devin Howland, CEcD | Go Rogue Studio | Bryan Fittin | Allisha Watkins | Paradox | Rashel Hariri | She's Interesting | Rebecca Black | Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster | 75Strong Arkansas | Grace Gill | Fuel Accelerator

Your startup could be missing out on major incentives! Join us on April 8th for a virtual workshop on startup growth in Arkansas. Learn about the incentives and resources available from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) to take your business to the next level. RSVP today! https://lu.ma/ynx0hfpz Arkansas Economic Development Commission | Laura Kingrey | Mallory Race | Bob Kucheravy | Esperanza Massana Crane | Clint O'Neal, CEcD | Kristopher Adams | Jeff Amerine, PMP | Jeff D. Standridge, Ed.D. | Brett Amerine

ARise stopped by the University of the Ozarks to connect with their Entrepreneurship Club. Kristopher Adams, Claudia Porras Scott, and Kendall Jasper led an engaging discussion on the current landscape of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and how young entrepreneurs can successfully navigate it. Students were encouraged to begin building their startups so they can take advantage of the ARise program. They also had the opportunity to connect with the Pet Buddy team before the Governor’s Cup competition. ?? Conductor | Startup Junkie | Arkansas Economic Development Commission | Esperanza Massana Crane | Laura Kingrey | Jeff Amerine, PMP | Jeff D. Standridge, Ed.D. | Matthew Ward | Daniel Koonce | Harrison Kitson | Grace Rains, MBA | Bob Kucheravy

It's Friday! ?? But don't check out for the weekend too early! If you haven't registered yet, please sign up to join us for ARise's upcoming event "Zero-Dollar Marketing Plan: Leveraging Guerrilla Tactics for Growth," which will be a panel discussion on low-cost marketing strategies for entrepreneurs and startups. ??? : https://lnkd.in/gfThGC8J ??? Tuesday, March 18 ? 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM ?? Fayetteville Public Library ???? Allisha Watkins, Rashel Hariri, Rebecca Black, Kim Bryden, and Jeremy Dean with Startup Junkie Kaitlyn Loughridge | Kailey Sullivan | Harrison Kitson | Daniel Koonce | Caleb Talley | University of Arkansas -- Sam M. Walton College of Business | University of Arkansas | NorthWest Arkansas Community College | City of Fayetteville, Arkansas | Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce | John Brown University | University of Arkansas Graduate School and International Education | John Brown University Graduate School | Nicole Iman | Enia S. | Ericka Talley | Ethan McCarthy | Alaina Pattillo | Rodrigo Salas

Are you registered yet?! Come join in on a night full of good food, networking, and invaluable insights from this power packed panel!