NW Arkansas is accelerating into the first part of 2022 with new accelerators, workshops, pitch contests and funding options for local entrepreneurs. Check out some of the recent announcements below.
Food and Beverage Entrepreneurs
Cureate, a woman-owned small business with a focus on empowering food and beverage entrepreneurs and building local supply chains, in partnership with FORGE, Inc., the oldest revolving community loan fund in Arkansas, will grant a new cohort of 10 food and beverage entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas the opportunity to participate in Cureate Courses.
Cureate Courses is for food entrepreneurs who have gross revenues between $30,000-$750,000 and are looking to diversify their revenue streams and grow into new sales channels. Cureate also has a focus on supporting underrepresented founders, which includes women and BIPOC-owned businesses.
At the end of the eight-week business development program, there will be a pitch competition with a $5,000 cash prize!
Application Deadline: Friday, January 21 at 5pm CT
Women Entrepreneurs
Did you know only 2% of venture capitalist investments go to businesses owned by women?
TheatreSquared has partnered with Woman-Run to explore how to flip the script and break down the barriers for women entrepreneurs. Woman-Run is a statewide initiative of Wright Lindsey Jennings, a law firm that has long served as advisor and advocate to woman- and minority-owned businesses.
On February 17 at 5pm CT, the Barrier Breakers workshop participants will gain confidence, develop their pitches, and learn how to navigate the unique business challenges facing women and minority business owners.
Women Entrepreneurs
Did you know only 2% of venture capitalist investments go to businesses owned by women?
TheatreSquared has partnered with Woman-Run to explore how to flip the script and break down the barriers for women entrepreneurs. Woman-Run is a statewide initiative of Wright Lindsey Jennings, a law firm that has long served as advisor and advocate to woman- and minority-owned businesses.
On February 17 at 5pm CT, the Barrier Breakers workshop participants will gain confidence, develop their pitches, and learn how to navigate the unique business challenges facing women and minority business owners.
Blockchain Entrepreneurs
The 2022 RZRblock Blockchain Hackathon, a month-long competition open to students or anyone interested in learning about blockchain technology, will take place March 4 – April 1, 2022.
There are two tracks:
- Student Track: This track is for University of Arkansas students. That may include students in other U of A colleges (engineering & law, etc.).
- Open/Remote Track: This track is available for all other participants that are not currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas or available to present in-person. That may include students at other Universities around the country or industry professionals who wish to compete or learn more about blockchains.
1st-3rd place teams (in both tracks) will win cash awards, in-kind memberships, and other featured prizes. Winners and prize amounts will be announced by the Blockchain Center of Excellence judges on Friday, April 1.
This event is free to all participants. The only requirement is to register on the event website by Sunday, March 6, 2022.
Sponsorship and mentoring opportunities are still available
Early-stage Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Northwest Arkansas, the local chapter of a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship, will host a two-hour pitch contest event that offers local entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their business ideas with a friendly audience.
The All Ideas Pitch Contest is open to people who are in the business idea stage, people who are looking to take a hobby to the next level, or those looking to pivot and grow an existing business.
A total of four cash prizes will be given out (1st place @ $1000, 2nd @ $750, 3rd place @ $500 as well as a $500 Fan Favorite prize) at the conclusion of the LIVE event on February 24 (English) and March 17 (Spanish).
English Application Deadline: Thursday, February 10 at 5pm CT
Spanish Application Deadline: Thursday, March 3 at 5pm CT
Early-stage Entrepreneurs
Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Northwest Arkansas, the local chapter of a nonprofit whose mission is to accelerate economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship, will host a two-hour pitch contest event that offers local entrepreneurs the opportunity to share their business ideas with a friendly audience.
The All Ideas Pitch Contest is open to people who are in the business idea stage, people who are looking to take a hobby to the next level, or those looking to pivot and grow an existing business.
A total of four cash prizes will be given out (1st place @ $1000, 2nd @ $750, 3rd place @ $500 as well as a $500 Fan Favorite prize) at the conclusion of the LIVE event on February 24 (English) and March 17 (Spanish).
English Application Deadline: Thursday, February 10 at 5pm CT
Spanish Application Deadline: Thursday, March 3 at 5pm CT
Next-Gen Entrepreneurs
According to a recent press release, Winrock International and Cartwheel, an Arkansas-based startup studio, are collaborating on a $1.2 million project funded by the Walton Family Foundation to identify and validate the most promising new business concepts in Northwest Arkansas, helping to transform ideas for fledgling firms into profitable enterprises.
While full details are still forthcoming, we know that Cartwheel will initially identify 20 of the most promising new business opportunities in the Northwest Arkansas region for rigorous screening and review by experienced technology entrepreneurs, who will examine each proposal’s ideation, business model, software, go-to-market strategy, recruiting plan and other shared services. The competitive process will winnow proposals, culminating with selection and launch of the two most viable and high-potential new companies. The firms will receive an array of services and support including help recruiting CEOs and co-founders, and assistance raising capital investments.
Heartland Entrepreneurs
Wefunder, the largest crowdfunding platform that connects startups and small businesses with investors online, recently opened a Northwest Arkansas location as it seeks to build a presence in the Heartland.
According to Kate Lynn, NWA/Tulsa lead for Wefunder, who was interviewed by Talk Business, “‘sweet spot’ recipients include companies focused on business-to-consumer sales, from a coffee shop or brewery wanting to open a second location to a biotech startup.”
Entrepreneurs can raise between $50,000 – $5 million on the platform. It’s free to start fundraising and entrepreneurs pay nothing until they successfully raise money. Wefunder charges 7.5% of funds successfully raised. They also waive fees if entrepreneurs invite an angel that invests $25K+.
Interested in crowdfunding up to $10,000? Check out Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Heartland Entrepreneurs
Wefunder, the largest crowdfunding platform that connects startups and small businesses with investors online, recently opened a Northwest Arkansas location as it seeks to build a presence in the Heartland.
According to Kate Lynn, NWA/Tulsa lead for Wefunder, who was interviewed by Talk Business, “‘sweet spot’ recipients include companies focused on business-to-consumer sales, from a coffee shop or brewery wanting to open a second location to a biotech startup.”
Entrepreneurs can raise between $50,000 – $5 million on the platform. It’s free to start fundraising and entrepreneurs pay nothing until they successfully raise money. Wefunder charges 7.5% of funds successfully raised. They also waive fees if entrepreneurs invite an angel that invests $25K+.
Interested in crowdfunding up to $10,000? Check out Kiva Northwest Arkansas
Outdoor Rec Entrepreneurs
Moosejaw, the outdoor gear and apparel retailer owned by Walmart, recently opened its second-largest location in downtown Bentonville. On the heels of this grand opening, Moosejaw announced its 2022 Outdoor Accelerator program.
The accelerator is open to early-stage companies across the nation that have a product or service that addresses a compelling need in the outdoor industry. The product or service needs to be well defined but can be pre-revenue. Moosejaw is especially interested in diverse candidates and/or products or services that will improve outdoor inclusivity.
Application Deadline: February 3, 2022
On a local level, outdoor rec entrepreneurs should look to connect with The Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program (GORP) at the Bentonville Collaborative. The application deadline for the Spring 2022 Cohort has passed, but if you want to be considered for the next round, visit here.
