Stories of Technology, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship in the Southeast

From Fayetteville, AR:

After six successful years of hosting one of the nation’s premier graduate student start-up competitions, the University of Arkansas announced on December 9 that it will pause the Heartland Challenge Start-up Competition in 2026 as the university takes time to evaluate and strengthen the future of the program.

The Heartland Challenge has grown significantly since its launch, attracting applicants from across the country, drawing top venture capitalists and founders to Northwest Arkansas, showcasing the region as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurial talent. As the competition has evolved, so have the needs of our students, partners, and the broader ecosystem.

During this pause, the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation will conduct a comprehensive review of the program’s structure, format, and long-term vision. This includes assessing how the competition can continue delivering a high-value experience for participating teams, deepen engagement with industry partners, and further elevate the profile of Northwest Arkansas as a destination for early-stage innovation.

The Heartland Challenge will return in 2027 with a refreshed approach, one that builds on the competition’s strengths while preparing it for the next chapter of impact and growth.

From St. Petersburg, FL:

The Tampa Bay Business Journal reports that more changes are coming to the spARK Labs by Ark Invest initiative.

Originally known as the Tampa Bay Innovation Center (TBIC), the rebranding as spARK Labs was announced last month. Now, the center is shifting its focus from an accelerator-based approach to a high-touch membership model. It’s an ambitious change that emphasizes mentorship, research-driven programming, and incubation.

The article notes that Ark Invest’s involvement with TBIC dates back to 2021, when the firm first collaborated to build what is now the Ark Innovation Center. When the 45,000-square-foot Ark Innovation Center opened in early 2024, it was a pivotal moment for the region’s start-up scene. A cutting-edge space with room for 75 companies, a 200-person event venue, prototyping lab, and other resources — including Ark Invest’s backing — positioned it to accelerate St. Pete’s tech economy.

The pivot to the high-touch membership model follows the arrival of new Chief Executive Officer Becca Brown, who took the helm in July.

From Charlotte, NC:

For 30 years, Business North Carolina (BNC) has selected Small Business of the Year winners. After receiving dozens of nominations, the magazine selected three winners. They are:

1. Apple Annie’s Bake Shop has been a local favorite in Wilmington for 40 years. The 36 employees bake breads and desserts for area restaurants like Taste of Italy and Gnome Nom Nom Deli, while also having a retail store and e-commerce segment. Cakes are king at the bakery, where a decorator has 1 million followers across social media. It’s veteran-owned, like 7.3 percent of the state’s small businesses.
2. A-B Emblem is a third-generation business located on a small hill off U.S. Business 19 in Weaverville in Buncombe County. The company has about 90 employees. Last year, A-B Emblem made about 2 million patches for the U.S. military. Another high-profile customer is NASA.
3. Ohsnap is a Wake County business of 20 employees that designs and sells premium phone accessories. It believes edgy marketing helps it stick out in a crowded field. The company represents Dale Backus’ second eight-figure North Carolina success story before turning 40, his current age. He bypassed college and is part of the Financial Independence, Retire Early (FIRE) movement.  He wants to move on by age 45. He is the first BNC small business honoree to have earned $600,000 making a zany commercial promoting Doritos.

From Coral Gables, FL:

The annual Florida Venture Forum kicks off its three-day run on February 23 at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel.

Those interested in pitching at the event have until January 12 to apply, with those selected to pitch announced by January 16. The application can be found here.

To register for the Forum, click on this link.

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