AEDC Wins Award For Work With Innovation Hub

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has received a 2015 Economic Development Award by Business Facilities magazine in the category of “Achievement in Innovation Hubs” for the agency’s work with the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, located in North Little Rock.

AEDC was one of five states honored in the category.

“The Innovation Hub is honored to receive this national recognition in partnership with AEDC,” said Warwick Sabin, Executive Director of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub. “Our intention from the outset was to synthesize the best practices and models for entrepreneurial assistance from around the nation and create programming that is uniquely tailored for Arkansas. This award from experts in the field validates our approach and elevates our state among the leaders in talent and enterprise development.”

The Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, known as “The Hub,” is a nonprofit organization that strives to increase entrepreneurial activity by creating a network of resources, programs, and educational opportunities that attract, develop, and retain emerging talent while building the state’s economy.

“Arkansas’s entrepreneurs are vital to the economic success of our state,” said Danny Games, AEDC Deputy Director of Global Business. “We have so much talent here, and The Hub creates an environment that allows these innovators to share ideas while growing their businesses.”

The center has four components:

• The Launch Pad, a maker space with cutting-edge equipment and technology
• The STEAM Lab, a classroom and laboratory space for science, technology, engineering, and math pursuits
• The Silver Mine, a co-working space for entrepreneurs and startup incubation
• The Art Connection, a program for high-school students that develops leadership and innovation through the visual arts

AEDC is one of several partners in The Hub including Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, Arkansas Science and Technology Authority, the EAST Initiative, the Arkansas STEM Coalition, Delta Regional Authority, Winrock International, and the Arkansas Department of Workforce Services.