Arkansas entrepreneurs from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds will benefit from a groundbreaking new initiative directed by BioVentures President and Department of Surgery faculty member Dr. Kevin Sexton and co-directed by Dr. Eric Peterson (Pharmacology/Toxicology) and Dr. Robert Griffin (Radiation Oncology). With support from a nearly $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Arkansas Collaborative for Technological and Innovative Venture Equality (ACTIVE) will serve as an early-stage technical assistance program and incubator for disadvantaged business owners working to develop health technology and health care businesses. UAMS-based BioVentures LLC was one of 43 recipients receiving grants under the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program. Dr. Sexton participated in a ceremony and roundtable discussion on the program at the White House in August.