innovate arkansas

"The hardest part was actually getting [the business plan] on paper. They helped us put it into a language that investors can understand. They're kind of like translators, and they're also motivators. And they're going to be with us as long as we need them so we can tap into this resource down the road."

"In the process of starting up a business or starting a new company, you spend a lot of time educating people on what it is you do. If you've got a group like Innovate Arkansas behind you, then it adds another level of credibility and legitimacy to your business. Having a group like Innovate Arkansas involved in your business – that knows your business at some level – also can help…increase the exposure that a company has to capital and resources in the state."

"As an economic developer and entrepreneur, I was pleased when I learned that Arkansas was establishing Innovate Arkansas with a mission similar to successful programs such as i2E in Oklahoma. The efficiency with which Winrock has ramped up the program is impressive, and I am honored that Balm Innovations has been selected as a client company. We look forward to tapping into the expertise of the Innovate Arkansas staff as we expand the Omnibalm product line and distribution throughout the U.S. and internationally."

"It's all networking. It's like being invited to the party with all the right movers and shakers. Most companies wait years to get where we’re at, and we’ve done it in three or four months."

"I'm extremely excited about the idea of Innovate Arkansas. I think that what they're doing is absolutely needed, and it's something that, looking back, I wish I'd had when I started. I think it's going to be wonderful for the state and for new business ventures. Most people who start a business – especially if you're a technical entrepreneur – have to learn the hard way a lot of the basic facts about getting a business started. I think they can provide that help to a lot of young companies."

"We feel like it's going to be a very good program and that they have so much to offer. We've got a product with a patent pending on the technology, and we've identified a great need for the product. We're at the point now where we're ready to commercialize that product. We contacted Innovate Arkansas to get assistance with…the commercialization process – marketing, advertising, raising capital – to take it to the next step."

"Just having someone there so you're not alone, it keeps you on track. They've offered all kinds of assistance in trying to make this thing a viable business. They're doing things that are going to make it easier for this company to succeed and, of course, save time. In addition to the emotional support, it's going to cost me less to get into business. When I first met with Innovate Arkansas, I had the technology working, and now I have it ready to use."

"IA is working collaboratively with MakeBeliever to help us position, develop and grow our company. They have assisted us by challenging our assumptions to ensure that we are able to objectively support them, identifying potential sources of outside investment, and strengthening our approach for customer acquisitions. The depth of the knowledge base and experience that IA brings to the table is extensive and means that we become more efficient in the execution of start-up activities and are able to minimize and more effectively manage the missteps that plague so many early stage entrepreneurs."