Executive chef and gaming producer are first winners of $10,000 prize for move to northwest Arkansas

Relocation, Relocation: Executive chef and gaming producer among first 25 winners of $10,000 cash prize which will pay for them to move to northwest Arkansas – as more than 26,000 applied from 115 countries and all 50 states

  • The first 25 winners of the $10,000 cash incentive, which will pay for them to move to northwest Arkansas, have been announced
  • They include a digital marketing manager from Denver, as well as a music producer and creative community curator from Los Angeles
  • The Northwest Arkansas Council’s ‘Life Works Here’ incentive program is giving cash to remote workers

An executive chef from Atlanta and a gaming producer from Los Angeles are among the first winners of a $10,000 cash prize which will see them move to northwest Arkansas.

More than 26,000 people from more than 115 countries and all 50 US states have applied to move to the region and receive the money.

The first 25 winners of the cash incentive, which will pay for them to move to northwest Arkansas, have been announced.   

The Northwest Arkansas Council’s ‘Life Works Here’ incentive program is giving the money to remote workers who would be willing to move to the region.

An executive chef from Atlanta and a gaming producer from Los Angeles are among the first winners of a $10,000 cash prize which will see them move to northwest Arkansas. Pictured: Tanyard Creek Nature Trail in northwest Arkansas

The winners will also get to choose whether they would like to receive a bicycle when they move to the region to enjoy the miles of trails there, or an annual membership to a local art and cultural institution. Pictured: Cyclists on a bike trail in Bella Vista, northwest Arkansas

The winners will also get to choose whether they would like to receive a bicycle when they move to the region to enjoy the miles of trails there, or an annual membership to a local art and cultural institution. Pictured: Cyclists on a bike trail in Bella Vista, northwest Arkansas

The area has more than 10,000 job openings in the science, technology, engineering, maths and arts sectors but a shortage of talent to fill the spots. 

The winners will also get to choose whether they would like to receive a bicycle when they move to the region to enjoy the miles of trails there, or an annual membership to a local art and cultural institution. 

The program has sparked widespread interest and the first 25 winners have been announced, including an executive chef and James Beard Foundation Impact Fellow from Atlanta, a digital marketing manager from Denver, as well as a music producer and creative community curator from Los Angeles. 

Other winners include a gaming producer from LA and a cloud technology manager from San Francisco. 

The first-round of recipients include a diverse group of people with backgrounds in the arts, culinary and technology industries, according to the Council

‘This first wave of new talent to the Northwest Arkansas region generated by the Life Works Here campaign is just a sampling of the exceptional individuals we’ve been able to attract to our region with the incentive program,’ said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council.

More than 26,000 people from more than 115 countries and all 50 US states have applied to move to the region and receive the money. Pictured: Fayetteville in northwest Arkansas

More than 26,000 people from more than 115 countries and all 50 US states have applied to move to the region and receive the money. Pictured: Fayetteville in northwest Arkansas

‘This program is not only a benefit to the recipients and new talent for our region, but it also contributes to the vibrancy of our existing, growing market and our local economy.

‘We’re overwhelmed by the unbelievable response and interest and look forward to announcing additional recipients as new talent is selected.’ 

The initiative was launched in November with the support from the Walton Family Foundation, which had $1 million to offer to new residents. The program is still accepting applicants. 

‘Professionals all over the country are starting to see the benefits of life in the Heartland, and Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas are at the top of the list,’ said Steuart Walton, of the Foundation. 

‘This region welcomes innovators and thought leaders to a community defined by world-class mountain biking, cultural experiences and a true entrepreneurial spirit.’

The new residents are also asked to participate in marketing campaigns to attract other top talent to the region. They have already committed to volunteering in their local community.

In order to qualify for the program, the applicants must be able to relocate to Northwest Arkansas within six months of their acceptance and sign a lease for local housing or purchase a house. 

They must also be at least 24-years-old, have at least two two years of work experience and be in full-time remote employment. 

Candidates must also be U.S. citizens or be able to work legally in the U.S. and currently live outside Arkansas.