Northwest Arkansas Offering $10,000 in Bitcoin to Lure Remote Tech Workers
Regarded as one of the top places to live in the United States due to its job opportunities and low cost of living, the region currently consists of merely 540,000 inhabitants.
To lure tech professionals and entrepreneurs to settle in the area, the local authorities initially offered $10,000 cash but recently decided to add the option to accept the amount in bitcoin instead. However, they can still choose to accept the amount in cash if they prefer.
“While we’ve had overwhelming interest in the initial incentive program, we’re continuing to seek out unique and in-demand talent in the STEAM and blockchain professions,” the website reads.
Commenting on the development, the President and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council, Nelson Peacock, said:
“We’re offering remote tech professionals and entrepreneurs $10,000 in bitcoin to bring your talents to the region. Why bitcoin? Northwest Arkansas is experiencing explosive growth in the tech sector, specifically within blockchain-enabled technologies, and this incentive embraces the growing trend of cryptocurrency as a payment option by employers.”
To be eligible, applicants must relocate to Northwest Arkansas within six months of acceptance to the program and sign a one-year lease or buy a home. Furthermore, he/she/they must be at least 24 years old and have at least two years of work experience. Additional conditions include living outside of the state of Arkansas and being a US citizen or having the credentials required to work legally in the U.S..
In addition to the Bitcoin incentive, the NWA Council is also offering to give remote workers a bicycle to navigate the region’s mountain biking trails including free membership to local theaters and museums. So far, over 35,000 people have applied from over 115 countries and 50 states, the NWA Council said.