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The Spring River Innovation Hub Inc. is a small business incubator nestled in the base of the Ozark Mountains in Cherokee Village, Arkansas. Founded in 2017, the 501(c)(3)​ non-profit organization received a Delta Regional Authority grant to transform a blighted property in the town's center into a vibrant co-working facility called The Hive and community education and networking venue named The Exchange. As one of Arkansas's first rural innovation facilities and the smallest hub in the country, the Spring River iHub serves as a pioneer of rural development in the American South
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Federal innovation, scientific achievement, and entrepreneurship through small business innovation and research. Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America’s Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization. The federal government invests in your solution and gives you the freedom to run your business according to your vision.
The Arkansas Business Resource Hub is a free, centralized, statewide listing of the organizations committed to helping entrepreneurs and small business owners access the many resources, programs, and funding opportunities available to them. The site is managed by the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation, and made possible through the generous funding of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, the Asset Funder's Network, the Arkansas Women's Foundation, and the Arkansas Community Foundation.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The SBA, or Small Business Administration, is a U.S. government agency that assists small businesses by providing financial resources, counseling, and contracting expertise. It helps small businesses start, grow, and sustain themselves by offering loans, loan guarantees, and other forms of assistance.
ARise’s program for Arkansas innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs, supported by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC), assists tech and tech-enabled companies in reaching new levels of success.
Our program is designed to connect you with coaching, consulting, and resources across the Natural State to grow your venture. By bringing together experienced professionals, investors, and educational opportunities, ARise provides the support you need to overcome obstacles and achieve your business goals.
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission understands the unique needs of small and growing businesses, and provides valuable resources and connections to help small businesses throughout the state. They also serves as a liaison to the state’s educational system ensuring that training needs are effectively addressed.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) is a university-based economic development program that assists entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned. The Arkansas State University Small Business and Technology Development Center was established in 1983 to provide professional assistance to start-up and existing businesses in Northeast and North-Central Arkansas. Part of the Neil Griffin College of Business, the center at Arkansas State University serves start-up and existing businesses in 10 counties in Northeast and North-Central Arkansas and operates as a regional office of the ASBTDC statewide network.
At America's SBDC, we're proud to represent 63 network members and nearly 1,000 centers dedicated to empowering small businesses with personalized advice, top-notch training, and vital resources.SBDCs are the SBA's resource partner program. They are hosted by universities, colleges, state economic development agencies, and private sector organizations.