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WeWork Labs, WeWork’s global platform for early-stage startups, small businesses and forward-thinking enterprise companies, today announced its expansion to Northwest Arkansas. WeWork Labs Northwest Arkansas held a virtual kickoff event at its new space in the historic Massey Building in downtown Bentonville.

We are thrilled to join a strong base of Arkansas entrepreneurial support organizations as we launch our first WeWork Labs program in the Heartland in Northwest Arkansas, a region that continues to prioritize and invest in the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Tom Lowden, Head of WeWork Labs, US, and Canada

WeWork Labs, WeWork’s global platform for early-stage startups, small businesses and forward-thinking enterprise companies, announced its expansion to Northwest Arkansas on the evening of October 29th, 2020. WeWork Labs Northwest Arkansas held a virtual kickoff event at its new space in the historic Massey Building in downtown Bentonville.

“We are thrilled to join a strong base of Arkansas entrepreneurial support organizations as we launch our first WeWork Labs program in the Heartland in Northwest Arkansas, a region that continues to prioritize and invest in the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Tom Lowden, Head of WeWork Labs, US, and Canada. “We are confident WeWork Labs will be a value-add to the startup community and regional economy, further positioning Northwest Arkansas as the destination for startup innovation. We’ll offer comprehensive and tailored programs that give emerging startup founders the tools and connections they need to launch, adapt and scale their companies.”

In partnership with Northwest Arkansas Council with support from the Walton Family Foundation, WeWork Labs’ equity-free incubator program will offer more than 50 early-stage entrepreneurs the resources and networks to help their businesses grow. Through the program, organizations will have access to a flexible and collaborative workspace, programming content, mentorship, membership exclusives and a global community.

“The partnership with WeWork Labs NWA will open the doors for many grassroots and start-up businesses,” said Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson. “This venture will give new business owners the necessary tools to succeed and flourish for years to come. This is an exciting and unique opportunity for Arkansans to learn world-class skills from leaders across the globe. I look forward to seeing the innovative techniques that WeWork Labs NWA will provide to its members.”

WeWork Labs offers microbatches – or specialized cohort classes – focused on fashion, food, fundraising, e-commerce, founders of color, female founders, small and mid-sized business (SMB) and property technology.

“WeWork Labs’ approach offers professional development opportunities to assist early-stage startups encountering a variety of challenges,” said Jeannette Balleza Collins, entrepreneurial development director at the Northwest Arkansas Council. “This partnership will provide valuable entrepreneurial support along with access to mentorship and resource networks across the globe. We’re excited to see how WeWork Labs Northwest Arkansas complements our growing ecosystem.”

The WeWork Labs Northwest Arkansas program is led by Labs Manager Carlos Estrada, an experienced founder with an extensive background in startup acceleration, enterprise digital transformation, and building innovation hubs globally. Estrada also launched Roots Venture Group, a Nebraska-based multifaceted incubator, accelerator and fund dedicated to startups in agriculture, food, and rural industries, as well as the WeWork Labs program in Texas.

“We are dedicated to delivering programs that are as founder-focused as possible and customized to company types, and the WeWork Labs platform is designed to provide the laser-focused help, support and resources companies need to launch and scale,” said Estrada.

Chandler Abbott, formerly an associate at Startup Junkie, producer of the Startup Junkies Podcast, operations supporter at Fuel Accelerator, and community organizer for 1 Million Cups Bentonville, serves as WeWork Labs Northwest Arkansas Lead.

“We see WeWork Labs opening in Northwest Arkansas as a tremendous opportunity to support founders from all backgrounds and industries,” said Abbott.

WeWork Labs

WeWork Labs is WeWork’s global digital platform connecting and supporting early-stage startups and small businesses. We empower inventive humans and organizations to impact the present and influence the future.