AEDC awards $2 million to 12 accelerator programs

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) 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.

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