ARise issues 2024-25 report on leading state program supporting startups

ARise (Arkansas Innovators, Startups and Entrepreneurs) has released its inaugural report that highlights startup accomplishments and feedback in its first year overseeing a state agency program that’s helped startups become viable businesses.

Link here for the ARise’s 2024-2025 report.

In 2024, Fayetteville-based Startup Junkie Consulting was awarded the contract to manage the Arkansas Statewide Technology Commercialization Center, an Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) program. Startup Junkie, in collaboration with the state agency, launched the ARise website and branding for the program in June 2024.

“Funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, ARise is the long-term, statewide initiative designed to support tech and tech-enabled entrepreneurs at every stage of the startup journey, with no-cost services and a focus on creating scalable ventures that generate meaningful economic outcomes,” according to a news release.

Between March 2024 and June 2025, ARise staff provided 715 consulting sessions to 139 startups across Arkansas. The staff made 584 referrals throughout the year, including 408 to subject matter professionals, 76 to industry partners, and 55 to capital sources such as investors and grant makers.

Feedback from startups and entrepreneurs shows “the program is delivering real value,” according to the release. “Entrepreneurs cited the SME network, coaching sessions and capital connections as major accelerators in their journey. ‘The people of ARise are my greatest success story,’ one founder wrote. Another shared, ‘We’ve been thinking for years about our concept but couldn’t find any way to move forward. ARise gave us the push to build a prototype and test it with customers.’ Whether securing a Kiva loan, receiving investor feedback, or being introduced to new partners, founders consistently noted that ARise helped open doors and save time.”

The new report highlighted the success of several Arkansas-based startups that ARise has supported. G&H Decoys, under new leadership, relocated from Oklahoma to Corning (Clay County), invested $2.1 million and created 77 new jobs. Bentonville-based Path Fertility launched a male fertility diagnostic tool that has been used by Walmart and other employers nationwide. Bentonville-based LexMed AI developed artificial intelligence-powered legal tools to streamline disability claims and was recognized nationally for its impact on legal technology.

“Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of Arkansas’ economy, and programs like ARise ensure they have the support they need at every stage of growth,” said Clint O’Neal, executive director at the AEDC. “We’re proud to see the momentum from year one, and even more excited about the future. By investing in innovators across the state, we’re investing in stronger communities, higher-paying jobs, and a more competitive Arkansas.”

Along with its support for startups and entrepreneurs, ARise focused on creating an “interconnected ecosystem across Arkansas” by extending outreach to all corners of the state, the release shows. ARise staff worked with universities, industry partners and area economic development groups to strengthen the state’s capacity to support startups. This work has expanded ARise’s reach and “laid the groundwork for long-term sustainability within the state’s innovation economy.”

In its first year, ARise hosted 31 in-person and virtual events, including workshops, panels and campus visits that reached nearly 1,000 participants. The team, through 171 outreach meetings, reached more than 3,500 people in conversations about commercialization, innovation and the resources available to support entrepreneurs.

“The progress we’ve seen with ARise companies over the past year gives us tremendous confidence in the future of Arkansas’s startup ecosystem,” said Jeff Amerine, founder of Startup Junkie and co-director of ARise. “These founders are proving every day that innovation can take root and flourish here. We’re excited to keep pushing forward — supporting entrepreneurs, growing companies and shaping an economy defined by innovation.”

ARise also invested in the state’s startups and entrepreneurs through collaborations. The program co-hosted AEDC’s first accelerator convening, supported VC Immersion Day in partnership with Startup NWA, and is launching an investor education series featuring leaders from 412 Angels, Ark Angel Alliance and Venture Center.

Also, ARise partnered with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center to support federal grant seekers through its Lab2Launch accelerator with six entrepreneurs applying for National Institutes of Health money. ARise partnered with the Arkansas Governor’s Cup, mentoring student teams. A student team of the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville placed first in the elevator pitch competition at the Governor’s Cup, a first for the institution.

In the coming months, ARise plans to expand support to university researchers, increase capital access through federal programs and investor network development, and build stronger pipelines between startups and industry.