Programs
Operated by the University of Arkansas at The Collaborative, Beta in Bentonville stands as a vital catalyst for startups in Northwest Arkansas. With a unique blend of CAD design, functional prototyping capabilities, and expert guidance from machinists and engineers, the lab empowers both technical and non-technical founders to transform their ideas into tangible products. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem within the vibrant landscape of Bentonville, Beta propels startups towards success in the competitive world of physical product innovation.
Learn more about the Beta in Bentonville.
Located at the Bentonville Collaborative, the Greenhouse will provide broad small business support and deep product incubation for outdoor recreation entrepreneurs. This includes both Northwest Arkansas residents and degree-seeking students. The Greenhouse will serve a rolling, membership-based program for entrepreneurs developing small businesses with regional service models, including those aimed at the rapidly emerging cycling tourism ecosystem. All members will have access to co-working space, student interns, consultation, regular workshops and community-building events.
Entrepreneurs seeking scalable ventures will have the opportunity to apply for an intensive 12-week product-incubation program — Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) — which will be operated twice per year. GORP participants will be eligible for support and admission into the university’s Venture Mentoring Service.
Program partners include Walton College’s Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship, and Venture Innovation and Executive Education program; the College of Education and Health Professions; the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation; and the Division of Economic Development.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is a higher-education-based economic development program that assists entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned. We help with every aspect of business creation, management, and operation.
ASBTDC works with all types of for-profit businesses, from home-based to high-tech. But at our Bentonville location, we also dedicate resources to the outdoor recreation and hospitality industries to better service these fast-growing sectors.
You can receive one-to-one confidential consulting and cutting-edge market research at no charge, or expand your expertise by participating in our affordable training.
As the state’s premier business assistance provider, the ASBTDC is dedicated to helping small businesses achieve success and to promoting economic development throughout the state.
For more information about ASBTDC, visit asbtdc.org
Dickson & Main makes early-stage investments in companies across multiple strategic domains and leverages the global University of Arkansas network to help drive success across its portfolio.
Visit Dickson & Main website.
Startup Village offers free co-working workspace to UA affiliated early-stage companies, defined as scalable, pre-revenue ventures developing a product or service that have limited operational history and minimal market presence — or are in their first year of revenue and are continuing to refine their business model. University undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, and affiliates are welcome to apply. Affiliates include community members who are active participants, or past participants, in any business incubation programming sponsored by the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OEI) and / or scalable ventures counseled and serviced by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC).
Apply for Membership here.
Let us help connect you with exceptionally prepared students, world-class researchers and research facilities, customized workforce training offerings, and a range of business support services.
Toby Teeter, Executive Director of The Collaborative
tobyt@uark.edu | LinkedIn
Dr. Tara Dryer, Assistant Vice Provost for Workforce Development
tdryer@uark.edu | LinkedIn
The Student Business Incubator, an exclusive 10-week immersive program in Summer 2026 for the University of Arkansas’ most promising undergraduate entrepreneurs. This highly competitive program provides unparalleled access to seasoned mentors, intensive workshops on business fundamentals, collaborative co-working space, and specialized legal and marketing expertise.
Learn more here.
A monthly, peer-led gathering for founders and operators selling products online—direct-to-consumer and on marketplaces like Amazon, Walmart.com, Etsy, and eBay. We’ll share real-world lessons and tackle topics like Shopify, fulfillment and shipping, importing, Amazon FBA vs. FBM, and marketplace advertising. Come compare notes, solve problems, and learn from others actively building e-commerce brands.
Housed at the Collaborative, Startup Junkie’s Bentonville office is here to empower existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, innovators and small business owners. The Bentonville office includes the following Startup Junkie Programs: