Conductor’s Post

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has awarded $2 million in funding to 11 Arkansas-based accelerator programs through the Arkansas Business and Technology Accelerator Grant Program. The Arkansas Business and Technology Accelerator Grant Program is administered by AEDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division and is designed to create high-skill, high-wage jobs by encouraging the development of technological products and services. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ePywjZp4 Startup Junkie | Conductor | The Venture Center | Forge Institute | University of Arkansas' Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Winrock International | Plug and Play Tech Center | Endeavor Heartland | Esperanza Massana Crane | Bob Kucheravy | Laura Kingrey

Exciting news for Arkansas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem! The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) has awarded $2.1 million to 11 Arkansas-based startup accelerator programs. This investment not only supports high-growth ventures but also strengthens the pipeline of innovation that fuels economic development in our state. As AEDCE now welcomes entrepreneurial support organizations as members, we’re proud to highlight this vital boost to Arkansas’ startup community. Read the press release and see the list of awarded accelerators below!

Tech startups should look beyond traditional hubs like Silicon Valley, Austin, and Boston. Michigan, and its incredible cities like Detroit, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and Marquette, offer an incredible opportunity for growth with its vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, lower living costs, extreme quality of life, access to fresh water, world class universities, rich talent pool and proximity to global financial markets like Chicago, Toronto, and New York. However, to truly attract and retain these startups, Michigan needs to do a better job of showcasing its success stories and telling its story. By effectively sharing the achievements of local businesses and the supportive environment they thrive in, we can elevate Michigan's reputation as a premier destination for innovation. This storytelling isn't just about promoting the state—it's about inspiring and attracting new entrepreneurs and investors who see the potential in Michigan's unique landscape. The Wall Street Journal #puremichigan Michigan Founders Fund #entrepreneurialecosystem Newlab #midwesthouse #northcoast https://lnkd.in/gjuC3WrC

Did You Know: The Virginia SBDC - Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP VA) assists Virginia-based technology and innovation-driven startups on their path to success. Supporting startups – from ideation, all the way through seeking Series A level of funding and beyond – ICAP services are offered at no cost to participants and all advising is strictly confidential. Experiential learning programs and one-on-one advising with our experienced team of ICAP Mentors (all successful entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs), have created a long track record of success for our clients. Through ICAP, our clients have been able to: learn how to validate their business model (for themselves and funders) before investing significant dollars, connect with subject matter experts, deeply understand their marketplace and competition, and make industry and funder connections. ICAP is also partnered with George Mason University’s NSF I-Corps Program to deliver our Introduction to Lean Startup Course. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eXzwWF9 #SmallBusinessWeek #technology #Virginia

Exciting news! Octane and Tech Coast Venture Network (TCVN) are teaming up to revolutionize entrepreneurial success in Southern California. 🎉 This strategic partnership unites TCVN’s 40-year legacy of empowering early-stage entrepreneurs with Octane’s proven expertise in commercialization and capital funding, creating an unparalleled ecosystem of support for startups at every stage. Together, we’re delivering enhanced resources, mentorship opportunities, and streamlined pathways to funding, all designed to accelerate innovation and drive economic growth. From structured workshops like TCVN’s PitchPolished™ and InvestorReady™ to Octane’s LaunchPad SBDC Accelerator, this collaboration will help entrepreneurs refine their strategies, secure investment, and achieve milestones that matter. Learn more about this transformative partnership and how it’s shaping the future of entrepreneurship at OC Innovation Week 2025. Read the Press Release Here: https://bit.ly/3P09I4s #TCVN #Octane #OCInnovation #Entrepenuers

This partnership will create more velocity of companies in the early stage of raising capital into Octane's LaunchPad Accelerator supported by the SBDC and Octane's Capital & Growth Platform to gain access to both institutional and private investors.

Why Startups Are Rising and What Newcomers Should Learn and Try In recent years, the startup ecosystem has seen an unprecedented surge, with innovative ventures transforming industries and disrupting traditional business models. But what drives this meteoric rise, and what should aspiring entrepreneurs learn and try to succeed in this dynamic landscape? Join us as we delve into the factors fueling the rise of startups and essential lessons for newcomers. Read Complete Blog : - https://lnkd.in/d-uSUJB9 #leansimcorp #beawarechannel #learning #blogs #Simulation #engineering #industrial #manufacturing #management #business #finance

Does Minnesota have other accelerators or incubators? 🚀 Yes! There are organizations across Minnesota that support entrepreneurs and startups through mentorship, programming, investment, and many other resources. Many of these programs or classes are free! Grid Catalyst is part of the LaunchMN entrepreneurial education network bringing together higher education, economic development organizations, SBDC offices, accelerators, incubators, coworking spaces, and investors to focus on starting and scaling new business ventures. LaunchMN provides many other resources to up and coming businesses - https://lnkd.in/gTJRXyC2 And according to the MSP Startup Guide, provided by Forge North, there are 93 entrepreneurial support organizations in Minnesota. Explore the guide - https://lnkd.in/gJzrXUsk This means Minnesota energy and cleantech innovators and startups can benefit from programming at every stage of development. Not sure where to start? We are here to help. https://lnkd.in/gTaqrWBr #AccelerateNorth #AprilAcceleratorAcademy #Minnesota #innovation

This is what we love about being based in Florida—nationally, Florida ranked No. 5 for deal count and No. 7 for deal value and Florida-based companies attracted over $2.1 billion across 332 deals in 1H 2024, ahead of last year’s pace. Startups have wonderful, chaotic energy that keeps the economic marketplace churning and growing. Just think of all the support and services those startups need to grow—we are all helping the economy do what it's meant to do in a free marketplace. How are you helping? Read the full study at Miami-based eMerge Americas: https://lnkd.in/ecbU-q4K #floridamarketing #floridaeconomy #floridastartups