Arkansas Entrepreneur Spotlight
Each month, AEDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division shines a light on an Arkansas entrepreneur as part of its “Arkansas Entrepreneur Spotlight.”
Will Hudson, President, Hydro-Temp Corporation
Will Hudson is President of Hydro-Temp Corporation, a Pocahontas, Arkansas manufacturer of water-source and geothermal heat pumps founded in 1975. A second-generation leader and Arkansas State graduate, Will grew up in the business and has worked nearly every job at the company. Since 2022 he has led a partnership with a Tier-1 global HVAC manufacturer from the first phone call to the first production order, developing a patent-pending, five-SKU geothermal heat pump platform that is now in production under a three-year supply agreement. In 2023, Hydro-Temp was one of nine companies nationwide selected for the U.S. Department of Energy's Defense Production Act heat pump program, with a $10.85 million award to expand production in Pocahontas. Hydro-Temp is 100% American-owned and American-made.
SOCIAL MEDIA
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
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
December 08, 2025AEDC has awarded $2 million to support 12 Arkansas-based startup accelerators.
Read >Arkansas’ Premier Founder-Funder Event Goes Statewide with Onward FX Expansion
August 21, 2025Onward FX is expanding into a statewide program, giving Arkansas founders direct access to one-on-one meetings with venture capital firms.
Read >‘Meet the Buyers’ Event for Arkansas Small Business Owners to be Held on May 20
April 16, 2025AEDC will host a 'Meet the Buyers' event for small businesses and entrepreneurs on May 20, 2025.
Read >
