News

Arkansas entrepreneurs, investors react to government startup statistics

By Jennifer Joyner
TBP

Startup watchers in Arkansas agree that the state has come a long way in fostering entrepreneurship.  But they also say national government statistics related to growth in resources for and diversity among early stage businesses doesn't paint a clear picture of the Arkansas reality.

The statistics, released late last year by the White House under former President Barack Obama, said "Access to capital for high-growth entrepreneurs has improved significantly since 2009, with venture capital investmenet up an estimated 200%, far exceeding its pre-recession peak, and angel investment up 40%, approaching its pre-recession peak."

Arkansas investors say while most of that money was on the coasts and other larger areas, the state saw improvement over that time period, especially with smaller funds.

Read more...