Subject Matter Experts

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

Bryan Fittin is a seasoned video content producer and storyteller passionate about helping brands amplify their voice through authentic conversations. As the Founder and CEO of Go Rogue Studio, Bryan specializes in creating engaging content strategies for businesses and thought leaders, empowering them to build meaningful connections with their audiences. With a focus on video

A native of Northwest Arkansas, Reese is a seasoned transactional attorney with a focus on diverse corporate and commercial transactions, ranging from mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, private equity and securities offerings.

Meredith Lowry’s practice principally involves acquisition and licensing of various aspects of intellectual property rights for companies working in the retail space.  From the products on the shelf, the packages they go in, and the platforms they’re sold on, Meredith advises businesses on intellectual property concerns and data privacy and security matters. As a registered

I have over 13 years of experience helping small businesses explore funding opportunities through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) programs. With my assistance, Arkansas companies have been selected for 85 SBIR/STTR awards. I currently serve as a mentor for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center’s NIH SBIR/STTR

Robert has worked with the biggest companies and organizations in their respective industries including: Walmart Stores, Inc., American Airlines, Envoy Air, Softtek, UST and Cox Communications. Through his adept leadership style, he has a proven track record of cultivating high-performing teams, empowering individuals to excel and achieve their full potential. With a keen focus on

I am an experienced venture investor, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor with nearly two decades of expertise in public and private equity. As the Founding Partner of Public School Ventures and host of Swimming with Allocators, I work closely with entrepreneurs, LPs, and VC firms to drive high-impact investments. My background spans equity research at BMO