PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
OEI is proud to present 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. Participants will also gain the opportunity to pitch for additional funding before a panel of industry leaders. Selected students will be employed full-time for the duration of the program, receiving compensation to dedicate their summer to building and advancing their ventures at the highest level.
ELIGIBILITY
Applications are open to current University of Arkansas undergraduate students. This includes seniors who are graduating in May 2026. All majors are welcome. Each accepted business in the program can have up to two (2) participating students.
EXPECTATIONS
Accepted cohort members will be expected to:
- Be onsite at The Greenhouse in Bentonville during work hours.
- Foster regular interaction with program mentors (at least once weekly).
- By program’s end, submit a formal business plan and final pitch deck.
- Pitch their business at the program’s Demo Night on August 4.
PAYMENT
- Students will be hired and onboarded with the Office of Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Pay will be $15/hour with an expectation of 40 hours/week from June 1 through August 4, 2026
PROGRAM TIMELINE
Program Dates: June 1 – August 4, 2026
*More schedule information coming soon!*
LINK TO APPLICATION
If you have any additional questions, you can reach Luke Planos at startup@uark.edu.