Startup Junkie Wins $1.1M Contract to Manage State Technology Commercialization Center

Jeff Amerine of Startup Junkie leads a discussion on strategic growth planning for HFA in Bentonville (Dave Creek Media)

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission announced it has awarded the 16-month, $1.13 million contract to manage the Arkansas Statewide Technology Commercialization Center to Startup Junkie Consulting LLC of Fayetteville.

The center, previously known as Innovate Arkansas, helps new tech entrepreneurs with turning inventions and high-tech concepts into viable businesses. The program’s mission is to empower tech and tech-enabled ventures in Arkansas to scale and create high-wage employment opportunities while serving as the catalyst for world-class technological innovation throughout Arkansas.

“Arkansas has a long history of growing innovative and industry-leading companies, and it is vital that we support our state’s entrepreneurs and the growth of high-tech companies,” Clint O’Neal, executive director of AEDC, said in statement. “Through this program, we aim to help entrepreneurs scale their ideas into companies that will create high-paying jobs for Arkansans, and we look forward to working with Startup Junkie Consulting on this effort.”

Since its inception in 2008, the Arkansas Statewide Technology Commercialization Center has assisted more than 200 portfolio clients that have brought in $939 million in revenue, AEDC said in a news release. These clients have created more than 6,000 Arkansas jobs. Program companies have received $50.9 million in federal grants and attracted a total investment of $473.6 million.

Startup Junkie, founded in 2008, is a nonprofit organization that educates and supports entrepreneurs and innovators through no-cost, one-on-one consulting, in addition to events, workshops and access to capital and talent.

“The Startup Junkie Consulting team is honored to partner with AEDC to help drive the development and growth of tech and tech-enabled ventures all across Arkansas,” Jeff Amerine, founder and managing director of Startup Junkie Consulting, said in a statement “We know entrepreneurialism is the key to greater economic empowerment and vitality, and we look forward to supporting AEDC in this critical effort.”