BENTONVILLE, Ark., Jan. 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The Northwest
Arkansas Council today announced it will begin offering
$10,000 in bitcoin to tech
professionals and other entrepreneurs looking to relocate to the
region. This incentive embraces the need for talent within the
region's growing tech sector, specifically within
blockchain-enabled technologies, and in doing so, Northwest Arkansas becomes the first region to
offer cryptocurrency to potential transplants.
"Northwest Arkansas is one of
the fastest-growing regions in the country, and we're now seeing
more explosive growth in our tech sector," said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the
Northwest Arkansas Council. "This expanded incentive offer —
Bitcoin and a Bike — not only embraces the growing trend toward the
use of cryptocurrency as a payment option by employers, but also
helps increase our pipeline of talent to benefit tech employers,
startups, cities, local businesses and the region overall."
The bitcoin offer is focused on tech professionals and
entrepreneurs with an expertise in blockchain-related technologies
but is open to a diverse pool of potential applicants looking to
call Northwest Arkansas home.
Those interested in the incentive can apply online at
Findingnwa.com/incentive, and applications will be reviewed by the
Northwest Arkansas Council with support from The Center for
Blockchain Excellence at the University of
Arkansas.
In addition to the $10,000 worth
of bitcoin, recipients will receive a street or mountain bike to
take advantage of the region's incredible mountain biking trails
and paved paths. Alternately, recipients can choose a free
membership to world-class arts and cultural facilities
including Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, The
Momentary, TheatreSquared and Walton Arts Center.
This announcement is the next installment of the successful Life
Works Here initiative, which aims to attract top talent to the
region. The initial incentive, $10,000 and a Bike, remains open to remote STEAM
professionals. Since the November
2020 launch, the initiative has generated over 35,000
applications from people in more than 115 countries and 50 states
who are eager to move to Northwest
Arkansas.
"Northwest Arkansas is an
emerging tech hub in the heartland, with incubator opportunities
for startups and an entrepreneurial mindset," said Peacock. "The
recent announcement by EV company Canoo to relocate its
headquarters to the region is a testament to the burgeoning
innovation in the area."
The use and popularity of bitcoin and cryptocurrency has grown
significantly in the past few years and is now accepted by many
financial institutions and retail. Central to the emergence of
cryptocurrency systems and other sectors is the role blockchains
play in helping maintain the security and storage of the data by
users.
The region touts the Blockchain Center of Excellence at the
University of Arkansas — a critical
asset for Northwest Arkansas'
growth as a leading tech hub. The Center, which is partnering with
the Northwest Arkansas Council to provide technical expertise and
counsel related to specific needs for blockchain-related offerings,
was established in May 2018 with the
mission to make the Sam M. Walton College of Business a premier
academic leader in research and education of blockchain-enabled
technologies and digital ecosystems.
"We believe next-generation talent is essential to further
transform our region into a hub for up-and-coming tech innovators
and businesses," said Mary Lacity, director of the Blockchain
Center of Excellence at the University of
Arkansas. "We're excited to see our region leading the way
with Bitcoin and a Bike to not only bring in new talent, but also
generate interest in the important blockchain-focused work taking
place in our region."
The initiative is made possible by philanthropic support from
Steuart Walton and Tom Walton through the Walton Family
Foundation.
More information on the incentive, including qualifications and
how to apply, can be found at: FindingNWA.com/incentive.
About Northwest Arkansas Council
Founded in 1990 by
Sam Walton, J.B. Hunt, Don Tyson and several other business leaders,
the Northwest Arkansas Council serves as a regional
convener for economic and community initiatives. The
Council excels at identifying challenges and championing solutions
to enhance the prosperity of the Northwest Arkansas region. Key initiatives
include work to advance quality of life, attract talent, improve
the region's workforce, create job opportunities, upgrade
infrastructure and keep up with the region's impressive
growth. For more information,
visit www.nwacouncil.org.
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SOURCE Northwest Arkansas Council