Arkansas Banking Solutions Accelerator back for a second year

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The Venture Center, in continued partnership with the Arkansas Bankers Association, has announced the return of the Arkansas Banking Solutions Accelerator (ABSA).

In its second year, ABSA is accepting applications from financial technology startups and growth-stage companies seeking to bring innovative, bank-enabling solutions to Arkansas’ financial institutions.

Building on the success of last year’s inaugural cohort, the Arkansas Banking Solutions Accelerator leverages The Venture Center’s fintech expertise and the Arkansas Bankers Association member institutions across the state. The accelerator is designed to introduce ready-to-deploy technologies that address the needs of banks and their consumer, commercial, urban, and rural customers.

“This accelerator continues to be a major step forward in driving innovation across Arkansas’ financial services industry,” said Daniel Schutte, vice president of accelerator programs, strategic partnerships and special opportunities at The Venture Center. “Our ongoing partnership with the Arkansas Bankers Association allows us to provide a strong platform for bank-enabling startups to develop transformative solutions, build real relationships with financial institutions, and grow in a meaningful way. We’re helping bridge the gap between emerging technology and the needs of Arkansas banks, ultimately strengthening the financial ecosystem for communities across the state.”

The 2025 ABSA will follow a hybrid model with a virtual incubator and accelerator program running for 12 weeks. Ten selected companies will have the chance to directly engage with Arkansas banks, receive mentorship, refine their offerings, and build relationships with key decision-makers in the banking industry.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with The Venture Center and the Arkansas Banking Solutions Accelerator for a second year,” said Lorrie Trogden, President and CEO of the Arkansas Bankers Association. “The success of the inaugural program demonstrated the real value of connecting innovative startups with forward-thinking banks. Our member banks are committed to staying ahead of the curve, and this initiative plays a vital role in driving meaningful innovation that enhances customer experience and operational efficiency across the industry.”

Each company selected for the 2025 cohort will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at Demo Day in September, in Little Rock, where they will present to potential investors, financial institutions, and community leaders.

“The partnership between The Venture Center and the Arkansas Bankers Association is an important and impactful collaboration focused on innovation in the banking sector. I continue to witness the increasing trend and integration of innovation, technology, third-party firms and the banking industry. I am very proud that ABA members will have early access to new solutions offered by the Arkansas Banking Solutions Accelerator. Our state’s financial institutions have a strong and successful history of adapting to change and evolving their business operations to meet the needs of their customers and being leaders in the financial services arena,” said Susannah Marshall, Commissioner of the Arkansas Bank Department and Securities Department.

The Arkansas Banking Solutions Accelerator is open to U.S.-based and international financial technology startups with existing customers and recurring revenue. Companies owned or operated by women and underrepresented minorities are strongly encouraged to apply.