Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Caleb Talley and Daniel Koonce are joined by Phill Shellhammer and Zoe Rose Maddox from the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) to discuss the newly launched Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator and how it’s changing the entrepreneurial landscape in northwest Arkansas and beyond.
Phil kicks off the conversation by highlighting the foundational role GORP has played since October 2021 in nurturing early-stage startups in the outdoor recreation space, emphasizing GORP's mission to turn innovative ideas into viable business models rapidly. Zoe then brings attention to the scale of GORP's impact, noting that forty-six companies have participated, with many still active and generating revenue.
One of the standout projects discussed in this episode is the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator. This program differs from GORP, which focuses primarily on incubating new ideas, by aiming to push established companies to the next level. Zoe explains that the accelerator targets businesses ready to scale, particularly those innovating around cycling technologies, products, and community-building platforms. In a testament to the global reach of their endeavor, Zoe shares that applications have poured in from countries like the Czech Republic, the UK, France, New Zealand, and Korea, underscoring Bentonville’s growing reputation as a hub for cycling innovation.
A key insight from the episode is the reflection on overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing curiosity. It's an inspiring reminder for all entrepreneurs to persist and stay passionate about their ventures. Tune in today!
Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(03:16) Arkansas’s Outdoor Recreation Entrepreneurship Expansion
(06:40) How Arkansas Models Business Support
(10:40) Av Bike-Focused Accelerator Program Launch
(13:11) Marshall: Industry Expert & Cohort Advisor
(17:18) How Bentonville’s an Emerging Hub for Remote Work
(20:08) Virtual Cohort Launch and the Bentonville Summit
(23:09) Bentonville’s Expansion Dream
(28:43) Community Support for Entrepreneurs
(30:46) Embracing Curiosity Over Expertise
(33:18) Mission-Driven Work Satisfaction
(34:41) Closing Thoughts
Links
Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Summary
En el reciente episodio de nuestro podcast, tuvimos el honor de conversar con Andy Choque, gerente general de Banacorp S.R.L. y miembro de la mesa directiva de la Unión de Bananeros (UNIBAN) en Bolivia.
Andy nos compartió detalles sobre la vida cotidiana de los productores de banano en la región del Chapare, Cochabamba. Desde las primeras horas del día, los agricultores se dedican al cuidado meticuloso de las plantaciones, asegurando que cada planta reciba la atención necesaria para producir frutos de alta calidad. Este arduo trabajo refleja la dedicación y compromiso de los bananeros bolivianos con su tierra y producto.
La banana boliviana ha ganado reconocimiento en mercados internacionales por su sabor distintivo y calidad superior. Andy destacó que factores como el clima favorable del Chapare y las prácticas agrícolas sostenibles contribuyen a estas características. Además, la proximidad geográfica a mercados clave en Sudamérica permite una distribución más eficiente y rápida, garantizando que el producto llegue fresco a los consumidores.
La industria bananera boliviana ha enfrentado desafíos significativos en los últimos tiempos. Andy mencionó que, debido a bloqueos y conflictos sociales, se han perdido cajas de banano destinadas a la exportación, lo que representa pérdidas económicas considerables para los productores.
Show Notes
(00:05) Welcome & introduction.
(00:51) Who is Andy Choque?
(02:33) Growing in the industry.
(08:05) Yearly reduction.
(11:08) Personal growth.
(14:24) Just like marriage.
(26:39) Competition.
(30:45) National blockades.
(33:29) The best of times, the worst of times.
(52:24) Winning qualities.
Links
Summary
In this episode of Startup Junkies, hosts Daniel Koonce, Jeff Amerine, and Harrison Kitson sit down with Anna Buckley, the dynamic founder of PICNiC. Balancing a full-time job and a burgeoning side hustle, Anna embodies the spirit of modern entrepreneurship. Based in Washington, D.C., by way of Arkansas, Anna brings innovative solutions to classic designs, filling gaps in the market and elevating everyday dining experiences.
PICNiC, launched in March, was born from Anna’s desire to create durable and aesthetically pleasing cabbageware—plates inspired by the timeless cabbage design but made from hard plastic melamine. The idea sprouted during a planned picnic on the D.C. National Mall. Frustrated by the lack of durable, non-ceramic cabbageware plates available, Anna saw an opportunity and seized it.
After graduating from the University of Arkansas in 2023 with a degree in finance, Anna moved to D.C. to start her career at Ernst & Young (EY) as a business consultant. Her entrepreneurial spirit, however, couldn’t be contained. Leveraging her time management skills and type-A personality, she worked tirelessly after hours to bring PICNiC to life. By September, her products were ready, marking a significant milestone in her journey.
Anna’s entrepreneurial drive was evident even in college, where she interned at Startup Junkie and participated in the Student Activity and Curriculum Enhancement (S.A.K.E.) program. These experiences laid the foundation for her current success, providing her with invaluable insights and mentorship.
As PICNiC grows, Anna envisions expanding her product line and engaging in more collaborations. Through her journey, she aims to inspire and mentor budding entrepreneurs, sharing her story to show that with passion and perseverance, one can indeed balance business and personal interests. Tune in today!
Show Notes
(00:00) Introduction
(01:16) PICNiC’s Elevator Pitch
(02:14) Anna’s Origin Story
(03:53) About Anna’s Entrepreneurial Journey
(04:40) Balancing Government Consulting and Entrepreneurship
(05:28) Describing Cabbageware
(06:25) Identifying and Filling a Gap in the Market
(08:31) Overcoming Entrepreneurial Problems
(09:41) Preparing for the Future with Marketing
(12:48) Being a Solo Entrepreneur
(13:42) Future Collaborations and a Vision of Success
(15:28) Anna’s Desire to Educate and Past Mentors
(19:09) What Anna Has Learned Working in Corporate America
(21:47) Advice to Younger Self
(23:21) Closing Question
Links