Exciting Partnership: Startup Junkie and ARise Join Forces for Arkansas Governor's Cup!

Arkansas Capital Partners with Innovators

Arkansas Capital of Little Rock has teamed up with Fayetteville’s Startup Junkie and its new program, ARise, for the Governor’s Cup Collegiate Business Plan Competition. This collaboration will sponsor the High Growth Technology Graduate Division.

Tywanna Smith speaks at the 2024 Arkansas Governor’s Cup. (Photo provided)

Enhancing Student Support

Dhu Thompson, owner of U.S. Irrigation and former owner of Delta Plastics and Revolution Bag, is set to return in 2025 as the title sponsor for the 25th year of the program.

“Arkansas Capital has positively impacted thousands of student entrepreneurs through the Governor’s Cup competition, thanks to the generous support of our partners and sponsors,” said Sam Walls III, Arkansas Capital CEO.

This partnership aims to increase participation among students and institutions across the state, making the program more accessible. Startup Junkie and ARise will lead training workshops to strengthen students’ oral presentation and elevator pitch skills. They are also offering free coaching services to help students prepare for the competition.

Continued Support Beyond the Competition

The ARise program will provide access to an advanced subject matter expert network, offering insights and assistance to Governor’s Cup teams.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Governor’s Cup this year,” said Jeff Amerine, Startup Junkie founder. “Sponsoring the High Growth Technology Graduate Division is the perfect opportunity for our new ARise program as it is specifically designed to support Arkansas innovators, startups, and entrepreneurs engaged in tech and tech-enabled ventures.”

The Governor’s Cup is open to undergraduate students from two- and four-year institutions in Arkansas, along with graduate students from surrounding states. Workshops and coaching are available to all competition divisions, with a $144,000 cash prize pool for 2025.

For more information, visit Governor's Cup and learn more about Startup Junkie.