The group’s mission is to help build a thriving entrepreneurial community in that state within a state, Northwest Arkansas, and according to group VP Emile Phaneuf, “turn student ideas into reality.”

While Internet retail sounds sexy, it’s not… it’s a lot of hard work. We actually have to stock and ship everything from welding jackets to Landau scrubs to breast pumps and everything in between.

Another University of Arkansas startup, another prestigious business-plan competition win, another NASDAQ bell ringing. More international prestige for Arkansas entrepreneurs.

The 2010 Arkansas Venture Forum will afford an opportunity for 12 Arkansas companies to pitch before state, regional and national investors. IA clients make up all 12 of the startups selected to present.