Winrock - U.S. Programs

Technology Commercialization

Innovate Arkansas works with new technology-based entrepreneurs as they move new inventions and high-tech service concepts toward viable commercial enterprises. Offering technical assistance, aiding in obtaining funding, and supplying general business strategies are just a few of the ways Innovate Arkansas helps technology-based entrepreneurs.

Innovate Arkansas’ vision is that clients will steadily increase higher-paying jobs and employment opportunities across the state, causing Arkansas' per capita income to rise to the U.S. national average over the next decade.

Entrepreneur Assistance Programs

Winrock International recognizes that small businesses are the driving force behind economic development in the state. This fact prompted Winrock to create its BIG DEAL initiative – Bringing Innovation and Growth by Delivering Enterprise Assistance Locally. Winrock’s BIG DEAL programs offer a full range of technical assistance, training, and access to markets and capital services to help small business owners start, grow, and manage their businesses.

Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME)

With funding provided by the United States Small Business Administration, our Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs is an entrepreneur assistance program that provides technical assistance to microentrepreneurs in the energy efficiency, environmental, agribusiness, and manufacturing sectors. This program funds activities in a 64-county region of Arkansas where unemployment figures continue to rise and outmigration of young innovators is strong.

Arkansas Women’s Business Center (AWBC)

With funding provided by the United States Small Business Administration, the Arkansas Women’s Business Center (AWBC) is a new Center that provides technical assistance, training, and access to capital services to women entrepreneurs. The AWBC is located on the campus of the South Arkansas Community College in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Manufacturing Support

Small and medium-sized manufacturers remain an important aspect of Arkansas’s economy. In partnership with Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions, U.S. Programs supports these manufacturers through technical assistance and workforce management strategies that help increase economic development activities.