The Northwest Arkansas Council is offering a sum of $10,000 worth of Bitcoin to attract remote tech professionals to move to the region, per local media outlet KNWA. The region includes the cities of Fayetteville, Rogers, Bentonville, and Springdale.
In addition to the Bitcoin, tech professionals descending on Arkansas would also receive a street or mountain bike.
“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,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of Northwest Arkansas Council.
“Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and we’re now seeing the more explosive growth in our tech sector," he added.
If, however, Bitcoin and a bike don’t quite impress a prospective Arkansas tech professional, cash and an annual membership to an art or cultural institution can be offered instead.
The offer is reportedly made possible through the philanthropic support from the Walton Family Foundation, which mainly focuses on improving education, protecting rivers and oceans, and investing in Northwest Arkansas. It was created by the founders of Walmart, Helen and Sam Walton.
The Blockchain Center of Excellence
The Blockchain Center of Excellence of the University of Arkansas is particularly excited by the initiative.
The Center, which is partnering with the Council, will provide technical expertise and support for blockchain-related technologies.
“We believe next-generation talent is essential to further transform our region into a hub for up-and-coming tech innovators and businesses,” Mary Lacity, director of the Blockchain Center for Excellence, told KNWA.
“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," said Lacity.