Arkansas Capital of Little Rock has recently announced a collaboration with Fayetteville’s Startup Junkie to introduce a new program called ARise in the Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition. This partnership aims to sponsor the competition’s High Growth Technology Graduate Division and provide invaluable support and coaching opportunities for all participating students and teams.
“While the Governor’s Cup competition has already made a significant impact on student entrepreneurs, thanks to our partners and sponsors, we are eager to enhance this impact through our new alliance with Startup Junkie and ARise,” stated Sam Walls III, the CEO of Arkansas Capital.
The primary focus of this collaboration is to expand student and institutional participation throughout the state. To achieve this, Startup Junkie and ARise will conduct training workshops aimed at strengthening the oral presentation and elevator pitch skills of student teams. The ultimate goal is to make the program more accessible and supportive for early-stage startups within the Natural State.
Through this partnership, entrepreneurs will have access to free coaching services from Startup Junkie and ARise, thereby providing them with the necessary guidance and expertise to propel their business plans forward.
In 2025, the Governor’s Cup will celebrate its 25th year, and Dhu Thompson, the prominent owner of U.S. Irrigation and former owner of Delta Plastics and Revolution Bag, will return as the title sponsor. Thompson’s continuous support underscores the importance of fostering entrepreneurship in Arkansas and highlights the continued dedication of key stakeholders in the success of the competition.
This new collaboration between Arkansas Capital, Startup Junkie, and ARise signifies a milestone in cultivating a thriving startup ecosystem across the state. By nurturing and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs, Arkansas is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and economic growth.