Welcome to the next Q&A in our series highlighting people from various pathways along the entrepreneurial technologist journey in Arkansas and the nation.
Affiliated with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, ARise is a statewide resource dedicated to helping innovation-based startups navigate growth. Kristopher Adams is the program manager.
In this Q&A, find out more about how ARise can help Arkansas founders scale their ventures.
Getting Acquainted with ARise
Q: What kinds of support does ARise offer to Arkansas entrepreneurs?
A: At ARise, we’re all about meeting founders where they are and helping them get where they want to go. We work with tech and tech-enabled startups across Arkansas to provide no-cost support that’s practical and personalized.
This looks like:
- Hands-on consulting and coaching tailored to your specific needs from our team of advanced subject matter experts
- Help knowing when and how to access capital, from raising your first round of funding to securing non-dilutive grants and state incentives
- Connections to industry experts, business, and potential customers
- Help navigating government programs like SBIR/STTR, DoD, and USDA
- And we’re constantly opening doors — to new markets, new investors, and new ways of thinking
We’re funded by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and built specifically for Arkansas entrepreneurs who want to build something scalable here — and scale it anywhere.
Q: Collaboration is a key theme in ARise’s approach. How do you work with partners like ASBTDC, Arkansas APEX Accelerator, and others to support innovation-based startups?
A: Arkansas has great existing programs for tech and tech-enabled companies.
So, instead of reinventing the wheel, we partner with organizations to bolster their existing programming, provide broader access to our clients, and layer our services on top to expand the programs provided.
Q: What are some of the biggest barriers to entry you see for new innovators in Arkansas, and how is ARise working to break those down?
A: Startups and Innovators often desire mentors, and ARise provides a dedicated Advanced Subject Matter Expert network with paid experts to help clients navigate barriers in their business.
Our network includes engineers, venture attorneys, corporate executives, digital marketing experts, sales strategists, medical device experts, e-commerce gurus, and more.
Q: How can technology-focused or high-growth startups best engage with ARise?
A: The easiest way to connect with the ARise program is to fill out our application form on our website at arisearkansas.org. Eligible companies must be Arkansas-based, tech or tech-enabled, and scalable. All of the services offered in the ARise program are offered at no cost to eligible companies.
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Call on Us
If you are on a “lab to launch” journey to commercialize your novel innovation or are seeking capital for product development, Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center’s innovation consulting and market research staff can help!
Our Technology Team provides consulting, training, connections, and technical assistance to help you navigate non-dilutive seed fund options through America’s Seed Fund, the SBIR/STTR program. In addition, we assist you with one-on-one advice, educational opportunities, connections, and expert entrepreneurial support.