The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech
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Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios
Spring is in the air and entrepreneurs are budding.
Why it matters: As the local economy broadens beyond dependence on a few large companies, the University of Arkansas' Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI) is helping to build a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and attract talent.
State of play: The Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program announced a cohort of eight startup companies focused on outdoor recreation for its 12-week spring program. The accelerator helps founders fine-tune their business as they work to commercialize a product or service.
- Graduating participants are eligible for a $15,000 investment from UA that takes no ownership equity.
The cohort companies include:
- Arkie Cypress River Excursions of Fayetteville — Guided river tours through Arkansas waterways focused on education, conservation and adventure.
- BEAR10 of Bentonville — Mountain bike gear and apparel company created by pro cyclist Anneke Beerten.
- Hi.Lo Mobile Bicycle Repair of Bentonville — On-the-go bike maintenance services.
- Hilary Lex Treks of Bentonville — Women-focused adventure travel excursions.
- SurfTec of Fayetteville — Low friction and anti-corrosive coating tech diversifying into bike chain and gear lubrication.
- Take the Lane of Northwest Arkansas — Cycling advocacy and apparel with a focus on women and underrepresented groups.
- Vamonos Vans of San Diego, Calif. — Customized adventure and travel vans.
- Zink Lake Recreation of Tulsa, Okla. — Kayaking, paddleboarding and eco-tourism around Tulsa's Zink Lake.
The latest: OEI also announced 12 teams that would compete in the Heartland Challenge set for April 3-5 at the Ledger in Bentonville. The startups will compete for a pool of $100,000.
- Many of the competing teams from across the U.S. are focused on biotechnology and medical innovations.
- Part of the pitch competitions are open to the public with an RSVP.
🤑 The Shift is a regular feature to catch up quick on what's happening in Arkansas' economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.