The entrepreneurial spirit created by our bold trendsetters has made Arkansas a hub of international commerce and is launching a new generation of dealmakers. Through a statewide network of partners and targeted tax incentive programs, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission is committed to empowering start-ups and visionaries with open collaboration, unparalleled resources, beneficial policies, and a willingness to get things done.
ARise Arkansas
ARise is a new initiative that helps tech and tech-enabled companies in Arkansas scale up, create high-wage job opportunities, and drive technological innovation. Learn more
75Strong
75Strong is a statewide program that trains economic developers and community leaders on entrepreneurship and small business development, in addition to providing direct technical support for Arkansas small businesses. Learn more
Arkansas Business Resource Hub
The Arkansas Business Resource Hub is a free and centralized online listing of organizations providing resources, programs, and funding for Arkansas entrepreneurs and small business owners. Learn more
ESO Monthly Call
Join us for our Monthly ESO & Entrepreneur Community Call, held the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM CT. These calls provide updates from the Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) network, feature an Entrepreneur Spotlight, and offer an open forum for community members to share news, events, and opportunities happening in their areas. Learn more
Onward FX
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Onward FX (Founder/Funder Exchange) connects high-potential startups with leading investors through curated, one-on-one meetings. Driven by founder and investor feedback, the rebrand gives Arkansas’ startup ecosystem a clear, memorable identity that aims to attract national investors and showcase the state as a competitive place to build and scale. Learn more
News
AEDC Awards $2M to 12 Startup Accelerator Programs
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (December 8, 2025) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has awarded $2 million in funding to 12 Arkansas-based accelerator programs through the Arkansas Business and Technology Accelerator Grant Program.
The Arkansas Business and Technology Accelerator Grant Program is administered by AEDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division and is designed to create high-skill, high-wage jobs by encouraging the development of technological products and services.
“Entrepreneurs with big ideas are the cornerstone of Arkansas’ economy and success, and the awards given through AEDC's Business and Technology Accelerator Grant Program will go a long way towards making big ideas a reality,” said Governor Sanders. “Arkansas is the state where a hard-working entrepreneur turned a small-town five-and-dime into the largest company on the face of the earth, and we continue to build on that success by creating an environment where businesses and innovative minds are empowered with the resources they need to thrive."
“Throughout our state’s history, entrepreneurs have made a significant impact, building innovative companies and creating new opportunities for Arkansans,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “We aim to continue this tradition of entrepreneurial success. The Arkansas Business and Technology Accelerator Grant Program plays a key part in providing the resources that help entrepreneurs grow their companies and create high-wage jobs in Arkansas.”
The program provides grants to accelerator applicants to sponsor business and technology programs that mentor startup companies. To qualify for the program, applicants must develop a full-time, immersive program that accelerates startups, and applicants must be in good standing with the Arkansas Secretary of State.
The following accelerators received grants through the Arkansas Business and Technology Accelerator Grant Program:
- Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (Startup Junkie Foundation) - $125,000
- Arkansas Lithium Technology Accelerator (The Venture Center) - $150,000
- East West Works (SURGE Arkansas) - $125,000
- Fuel AI/ML (Startup Junkie Foundation) - $150,000
- Fuel HealthTech (Startup Junkie Foundation) - $150,000
- Fuse Accelerator (Fuse) - $150,000
- gALPHA and Gbeta (Gener8tor Management) - $200,000
- OZ Retail Accelerator (Act II Capital Holdings) - $200,000
- RAMP (Corichia Brisco Enterprises) - $200,000
- ScaleUp Accelerator (Endeavor Heartland) - $150,000
- Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator (The Venture Center) - $200,000
- 10X Growth Accelerator (Conductor) - $200,000
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About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.
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