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About ARise

Empowering Arkansas Startups and Entrepreneurs to Rise to Success

Who We Are

If you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a small tech company looking to grow and create high-wage, high-demand jobs, ARise has the perfect solution for you. Our program, supported by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), assists tech and tech-enabled innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs in transforming their concepts into highly successful businesses.

We offer a comprehensive suite of resources and connections designed to empower you and promote collaborative learning. By bringing together experienced professionals, investors, and educational opportunities, ARise provides the support you need to overcome obstacles and achieve your business goals.

What We Do

ARise empowers tech innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs to grow and create high-wage, high-demand jobs by providing resources and connections. We host networking workshops and events, help you secure venture capital, and provide no-cost coaching and consulting. We also work with and educate investors to connect them with tech startups so your innovative ideas have the backing they need to thrive.

Program Services

Startup Consulting and Coaching

After an assessment to understand your company’s unique needs, we connect you with resources and support to grow your business.

Capital Access
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Our consulting prepares you to raise capital, pitch to investors, and secure grants and state incentives for eligible projects. 

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Advanced Subject Matter Expert Network

Gain insights from our diverse network of professionals (SMEs) who offer technical support and mentoring.

Connection to Industry

Find customers, partners, and market entry opportunities to connect with potential partners and customers around the world.

Connection to Industry

Find customers, partners, and market entry opportunities to connect with potential partners and customers around the world.

Ecosystem Resources

We provide advanced tech talks, investor education, and VC days to connect you with funding and collaboration opportunities.

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Our Process

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Onboarding Form:
Complete our onboarding form to provide us with a baseline of your company’s metrics, which we will use to assess your needs and measure your success over time.
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Initial Consultation:
Meet with our team to discuss your venture. Above all else, we will listen to your needs and determine how best to assist you in your specific situation.
Resource Allocation:
We provide you with the necessary tools, resources, coaching, and connections to grow and succeed. These resources come in a variety of forms, including personal referrals, digital reading materials, venture assessment tools, and online webinars.
Coaching and Consulting:
Connect with experienced professionals from our subject matter expert (SME) network who will guide you through your entrepreneurial journey. Their expertise covers everything from general business and entrepreneurship to deep tech in specific fields like biotech, artificial intelligence, supply chain, cybersecurity, and more.
Capital and Industry Connections:
We help assess when you are ready to raise capital and the best steps for your company to take. When ready, we facilitate introductions to potential investors who may be interested in your innovative ideas. We also provide you with industry connections for you to expand your network and customer base.
Ongoing Support:
Continue to receive support, resources, and guidance as your business grows. We will be with you every step of the way to assist your startup in every stage of its growth and development.
Success Measurement:
We provide the tools to track your progress and outcomes to ensure your business is on the right path to achieving its goals. With our annual end-of-year survey, you have the ability to measure your success year over year.

Our Partners

Arkansas Economic Development Commission

ARise is an AEDC program that provides support for Arkansas innovators so that they can turn their inventions into viable businesses. AEDC is committed to working strategically with Arkansas businesses to promote economic development.

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Startup Junkie

Startup Junkie has worked for over 15 years to build a thriving and accessible entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state of Arkansas. They offer no-cost consulting services and resources to startups and small businesses in Northwest Arkansas.

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Conductor

Conductor has been working for nearly 10 years to provide assistance to small business owners, entrepreneurs, and innovators in Arkansas. They work to facilitate business growth that contributes to the health and strength of our community.

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Meet Our Team

Jeff Amerine, the Co-Director of ARise.

Jeff Amerine

Co-Director, ARise

Founder and Managing Director, Startup Junkie Consulting

Headshot of Grace Rains, the Co-Director of ARise and Executive Director of Conductor.

Grace Rains

Co-Director, ARise

Executive Director, Conductor

Jeff Standridge, an Executive Venture consultant at ARise and Managing Director of Conductor.

Jeff Standridge

Executive Venture Consultant, ARise

Managing Director, Conductor

A headshot of Brett Amerine, an Executive Venture Consultant.

Brett Amerine

Executive Venture Consultant, ARise

Managing Director, Startup Junkie Consulting

Headshot of Caleb Talley, a Venture Consultant of ARise.

Caleb Talley

Venture Consultant, ARise

Executive Director, Startup Junkie Foundation

Headshot of Matthew Ward, the Venture Consultant of ARise.

Matthew Ward

Venture Consultant, ARise

Senior Executive Consultant, Startup Junkie Foundation

A headshot of Kate Loughridge, the marketing manager at ARise.

Kate Loughridge

Marketing Manager, ARise

Marketing Manager, Conductor

A headshot of Kristopher Adams, the Program Manager of ARise.

Kristopher Adams

Program Manager, ARise

Meet Our Subject Matter Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

We educate and connect startups with investors who are interested in backing innovative technology and new business ideas.

We’re looking for companies that want to scale or grow through the utilization of technology.

We offer a wide range of resources, including mentorship programs, strategic connections, educational opportunities, and access to our SME Network.

ARise is dedicated to supporting tech and tech-enabled startups only within Arkansas, aiming to encourage local innovation and economic growth.

Complete our onboarding form at www.arisearkansas.com/apply. Once we’ve received your completed form, we’ll follow up with an invitation to schedule an initial conversation. We’ll discuss your venture and determine how we can best support you.

Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Phase?

Apply to join the ARise program today and then schedule your initial consultation to begin transforming your innovative ideas and startups.

Apply Now
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Conway
  • 1201 Oak St,
  • Conway, AR 72032
Fayetteville
  • 1 East Center St #270,
  • Fayetteville, AR 72701
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