Current full- or part-time, degree-seeking Arkansas college and university students who want a real-world opportunity to explore a business idea or simply learn more about entrepreneurship are invited to compete!
Students and advisors for the top three winning teams in both divisions will once again share a $100,000 cash prize pool!
Teams are not required to start their businesses to compete, and the competition is free.
Arkansas Capital launched the Governor’s Cup in 2001 to increase student appreciation for the challenges that come with developing a viable business offering. Through a rigorous, real-world process, the competition recognizes teams that are best able to articulate a plan that addresses these challenges and convince judges that their ideas will be profitable.
This appreciation and the real-world skills gained by competing will serve students well into the future professionally and personally – regardless of whether or not they launch their business venture.
2023 Calendar
- January 3
Team Application Window Opens in YouNoodle - February 5
Team Applications Created in YouNoodle - February 12
Business Plans and Team Showcase Video Due - March 3
Team Showcase Video and Finalists Announcement - March 16
Oral Presentations (Virtual) - April 7
Awards Luncheon, Fayetteville Public Library Event Center
2022 Awards Luncheon Photos
2022 Awards Luncheon Program
2022 Awards Luncheon (audio begins at 3:05)
2022 Finalist Teams Reception Photos
2022 Finalist Teams Reception Program
Congratulations to the 2022 Winners!
SMALL BUSINESS DIVISION
First Place – $15,000
ASCEND
John Brown University, Siloam Springs
Second Place – $10,000
BENTO
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Third Place – $5,000
ORANGE OTTER TOYS
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
HIGH-GROWTH / TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
First Place – $25,000
GAMMA VET
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Second Place – $15,000
CIPHR X BIOTECHNOLOGIES
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Third Place – $10,000
SHOCK
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
ELEVATOR PITCH WINNERS
Small Business Division – $2,000
ASCEND
John Brown University, Siloam Springs
High Growth / Technology Division – $2,000
HORIZON HEALTH SOLUTIONS
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
2022 Finalists:
SMALL BUSINESS DIVISION
AR Lawn
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro
Kopi Koffee Company
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Limitless Fitness
Central Baptist College and Ouachita Baptist University
HIGH-GROWTH / TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
Horizon Health Solutions
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Suelo, LLC
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Veza
John Brown University, Siloam Springs
Click to Watch the 2022 Team Video Showcase!
31 teams, 10 universities! Great work, teams!
Thank you, 2022 Sponsors!
Title Sponsor
Dhu C. Thompson
Venture Sponsor
Enterprise Sponsor
High Growth / Technology
Division Sponsor
Small Business
Division Sponsor
Accelerator Sponsors
Angel Sponsors
ArcBest
AT & T Arkansas
Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas
Eric Rob & Isaac
IFWORLD, Inc.
Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC
Rose Law Firm
Startup Junkie
Competition Awards
CASH prizes will be awarded to the winning teams – that includes students AND faculty!
Previous Winners and Awards Luncheon Videos
The Governor’s Cup has been around longer than some of today’s competitors! Nearly 3,000 students have been impacted since the first competition in 2001. Who were the winners?
