Douglas Hutchings is the co-Founder of Delta Solar and serves as the Director of the Arkansas Research Alliance Academy. A materials scientist and serial entrepreneur, he has helped move technologies from university research to international manufacturing. His work focuses on connecting innovators, investors, and industry partners to accelerate technology-driven growth.
Glenn is co-founder and CEO of Dave Creek Media, a fast growing digital marketing agency based in Conway, AR. In nine short years, Dave Creek Media has grown from a single employee to over 20 specialized team members. Prior to Dave Creek Media he spent 25 years with Acxiom Corporation in a variety of leadership
Hi, I’m Kelsey, a mental health therapist and executive coach passionate about supporting founders and entrepreneurs who are ready to build both successful businesses and sustainable lives. After 14+ years in corporate (Fortune #1), startups, and entrepreneurship—leading international teams, launching record-breaking products, and scaling operations across technology, finance, and consumer goods, I understand the unique
Melissa is a finance nerd turned founder who leads Ark Angel Alliance and supports startups across the state. She’s worked in venture capital and private equity, holds both a BBA and MBA in Finance, and brings a practical, approachable style to fundraising strategy, financial modeling, and pitch decks.
Ed Smith is the Founder of QuantumEdge CRO, a fractional sales leadership practice that helps early- and growth-stage B2B tech companies build scalable, investor-ready sales operations. With over 30 years of experience in SaaS, managed IT, and cybersecurity, Ed has consistently delivered 25–50% year-over-year growth, maintained 90%+ client retention, and built high-performing teams across Arkansas
Misti’s son Freeman Ellis Staley was born in 2015 with heart and lung complications. 3.5 months were spent in the Little Rock Arkansas Children’s Hospital NICU, home for 5 weeks, and then back in the PICU for another 5 months before Freeman sadly lost his battle with pulmonary hypertension at 10 months old. After Freeman’s
Katie Thompson, Executive Director of the Science Venture Studio (SVS) has over a decade of experience working inside the Arkansas science and technology community. Launched in 2020 by the support of the Walton Family Foundation, SVS has helped Northwest Arkansas companies secure more than $11.8 million in non-dilutive federal funding to develop their technologies and
Kim Bryden, CEO of Cureate, is an accomplished business development professional with expertise in strategy, marketing, and operations focusing on the food & beverage industry and economic development. Kim has consulted 300+ small businesses on growth strategy, building out diversified revenue streams, and identifying new market opportunities. In addition to her commitment to small business
Camille Dunshee is a Human Resources expert who specializes in helping startups and small businesses create simple, effective HR systems that support both people and business goals. With experience as a People and Culture Manager, Talent Manager, and HR Director, Camille has a proven track record of building solid HR foundations for growing companies. She
Grace Gill is operations manager of the Fuel Accelerator program. She has been with Startup Junkie for three years, starting on the marketing and events team for Startup Junkie Foundation and has experience in non-profit and marketing from working at Mary R. Koch Arts Center in Wichita, KS. Over the past three years, she has
