Get $10,000 cash to move to rural Arkansas and live in the Ozark Mountains. 

COVID-19 has changed a lot of things for a lot of people, and there are thousands looking for a new career or opportunity to make it through. For those willing to relocate, a new prospect that pays $10,000 cash might just be the thing they have been looking for. Northwestern Arkansas wants remote workers to move there and is willing to pay them to do it. 

A new initiative by the Northwest Arkansas Council is offering $10,000 to top remote talent that is willing to relocate to live in the Ozark mountains. They are hoping to attract “recent grads, families, career changers, entrepreneurs, artists and more” to rural towns in Northwest Arkansas. To sweeten the deal, they are also giving all “top remote talent” that moves there a mountain or street bike to help them explore the area. An annual membership to a local art or cultural institution can be substituted for the bike at the request of participants. 

Professionals in areas of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering, and math), are highly encouraged to apply, although a S.T.E.M. background is not required. The initiative is focused on recruiting remote workers, those who can work from anywhere, to come to Northwest Arkansas and settle down. 

The Ozarks have gained in popularity in recent years after the popular Netflix series of the same name brought attention to the area. A long-known destination for outdoor enthusiasts, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the terrain and water. There are over 10,000 open jobs in the area and a shortage of people to fill them. The hope is to build up a talent-rich pipeline to help support the local economy and keep it thriving. The Northwest Arkansas Council is looking for people who are not simply good workers, but who will add to the “vibrancy” of the community. 

Image via Pinterest

Recipients will receive a $10,000 grant, a bike(or annual membership to Crystal Bridges, Momentary, Amazeum, TheatreSquared, Walton Arts Center, or Walmart AMP), and the chance to start a whole new life in the beauty of the Ozarks. Several large companies including Walmart, J.B. Hunt, and Tyson Foods are based in the area and are looking for workers experienced in S.T.E.M.

Here are a few must-know details for those interested in applying. Applicants must:

• Be able to relocate within six months. 
• Be able to lease or purchase a home.
• Be 24 years of age.
• Have full-time employment (can be self-employed). 
• Have 2 years of work experience.
• Currently live outside of the state of Arkansas.
• United States citizen or be able to legally work in the U.S.
• One applicant per household.

Applicants will be reviewed and interviewed on an individual basis by the council. If chosen, participants can live anywhere in the Northwest Arkansas region, including Benton and Washington counties. There is no relocation assistance and the council does not offer employment, however, it will assist spouses of applicants in finding employment opportunities. There are also no specific number of spots to fill; the incentive could be granted to multiple individuals.

$10,000 is a good incentive to try something new, and for outdoorsy folks, living in the Ozark Mountains could be a dream come true. Everyone is looking for a way to emerge better from everything 2020 has thrown at us, starting off with a nest egg and a beautiful view is not a terrible option. 

Learn more and apply here.

What do you think about this interesting incentive? Would you relocate for $10,000? Give us the scoop in the comments.