About this programme
The Seed Capital Investment Program (SCIP) is a direct state investment program, administered by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission's (AEDC) Business Finance division, that helps Arkansas technology-based companies with initial capitalization. It's aimed at companies that cannot secure sufficient capital through traditional capital sources.
SCIP is meant to help a company reach commercialization, including the product development and refinement stages that come before a product is ready for market. AEDC's Business Finance division more broadly facilitates competitive financing for land, buildings, technology and equipment, and also runs Amendment 82 bond financing, general bond programs, Community Development Block Grant funding, a Funding Partners network, other equity support programs, and Opportunity Zone resources.
How it works
Investments go up to $500,000, typically delivered in smaller staged tranches rather than as one lump sum.
The program can use debt financing, equity financing, royalty participation agreements, or a combination of these, but is generally structured as royalty-based investment.
Who can apply
Open to Arkansas-based, technology-based companies, with a focus on early-stage and startup ventures.
Companies must be unable to obtain adequate capital from conventional financing sources.
Frequently asked
How much can a company receive from SCIP?
Up to $500,000, usually delivered in smaller staged tranches rather than all at once.
Is SCIP debt, equity, or something else?
It can be structured as debt financing, equity financing, royalty participation agreements, or a combination, though it's generally structured as royalty-based investment.
Who qualifies for SCIP?
Arkansas-based, technology-based companies, generally early-stage or startup ventures, that cannot secure adequate capital through conventional financing sources.
Who administers SCIP?
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission's Business Finance division, which also runs several other financing programs including bond financing, CDBG funding, and Opportunity Zone resources.
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All 11 programmes in Arkansas →
Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.