BioVentures Grant Now Aiding Efforts of 25 Health Care and Health Tech Entrepreneurs
| BioVentures LLC at UAMS and The Venture Center recently announced 25 Arkansas health care and health tech companies from across Arkansas as participants in the new Arkansas Collaborative for Technological and Innovative Venture Equality (ACTIVE) program.
The participating companies, led by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals with innovative, early-stage health care and health technology ventures, started their 10-week entrepreneurship bootcamp with The Venture Center, a partner on the project. Participants will receive concentrated and personalized support from BioVentures and The Venture Center for one year, or until all their needs are met. ACTIVE program leaders will remain in touch with participants indefinitely as alumni of the program, providing ongoing help and networking opportunities.
Stefanie Kennon-McGill, Ph.D., speaks during the kick-off event.
The ACTIVE program is funded by a four-year $2,999,997 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program, plus $750,000 in matching funds from UAMS. The initiative is also supported by additional partnerships including the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Philander Smith College. It aims to enhance health outcomes throughout Arkansas by addressing underrepresentation and unrealized potential in the health tech sector.
By focusing on this group of entrepreneurs, ACTIVE promotes equitable innovation in the health care industry, driving economic growth, introducing diverse health tech solutions and improving health care outcomes, said Stefanie Kennon-McGill, Ph.D., BioVentures senior program manager.
“We believe that with the right training, resources and support, disadvantaged founders can solve the health care problems of their communities by creating vibrant businesses,” Kennon-McGill said. “We are honored to support these entities through the ACTIVE program by providing mentorship, resources and networking opportunities to support their aims. Together, we can drive impactful solutions and foster innovation in the health care sector.”
The following companies are among this year’s inaugural ACTIVE cohort:
| · U Got Wheelz App | ||||
| · Aurum Endeavors LLC | ||||
| · RMP Health Solution | ||||
| · Village Public Health Wellness Center | ||||
| · Perspective Healthcare Solutions | ||||
| · Refilled Glasses, LLC | ||||
| · The Belinga Clinic | ||||
| · Synolo Wellness | ||||
| · Kinder Senior Advocacy | ||||
| · Hey Charlie | ||||
| · 365 Yoga Dream | ||||
| · Apothewell | ||||
| · SJ Medical and Supply Company LLC | ||||
| · Still Waters Consulting Group, LLC | ||||
| · Hope House Home Healthcare | ||||
| · NuPad Projectz | ||||
| · Smart Eye Technology | ||||
| · Networked Residential Assisted Living Business | ||||
| · Concierge RN Services | ||||
| · UpSquad | ||||
| · EMPOWER | ||||
| · BodyBenders Fitness Lounge | ||||
| · NutriKidRX | ||||
| · Foster Healing & Hope |
“The Venture Center is thrilled to kick off a comprehensive skill training boot camp for the companies joining this initiative,” said Daniel Schutte, vice president of strategic partnerships at The Venture Center. “Our goal is to give promising health care innovators the tools needed to grow their businesses and make a real impact in the industry. We’ll be covering everything from branding and certifications to cybersecurity, telehealth and legal considerations. We want to make sure participants are fully prepared to navigate the health care and health tech world.”
More information about ACTIVE, including how to apply for the 2025 class, is available at bioventures.tech/active. Those interested in being notified when applications open for 2025 may email active@uams.edu. ACTIVE leaders anticipate accepting applications beginning in fall 2024 for an early 2025 start date.