Impactful Programs
Deploying programs to help existing or aspiring entrepreneurs succeed
Smart programming that supports entrepreneurship and innovation right here in Northwest Arkansas
Our programs build on one-on-one consulting. Through cohort accelerators, 0% interest loans, small-business grants and a weekly community of peers, new and growing entrepreneurs gain the resources, capital and experience they need to thrive.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities. Here in Northwest Arkansas, key partnerships let us support a thriving economic ecosystem that reaches well beyond our immediate region.
Programs across Startup Junkie
Fuel Accelerator
The Fuel Accelerator was launched by Startup Junkie Foundation in late 2018 to close the gap between growth-stage tech startups and key enterprise partners in order to accelerate the adoption of tangible technology solutions. Fuel is a 10-week, no-cost, no-equity program that pairs startups with Arkansas corporate partners for pilots, and runs annual AI/ML and HealthTech cohorts alongside the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator.
SJF
Kiva NWA
Kiva NWA, a program of Startup Junkie Foundation, expands access to affordable capital for entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional lenders. Since launching in December 2019, Kiva NWA has provided more than $2 million in 0% interest, community-backed microloans across roughly 200 loans, backed by a three-year, $1 million loan-match commitment from the Walton Family Foundation. Kiva believes in character over credit and the power of community-based lending.
SJF
UpStart Thrift Store
UpStart Thrift Store, located at 235 Main St, Farmington, Arkansas, is run by an all-volunteer team and resells donated clothes and home goods at affordable prices to the community.
SJF
CenterSpace Coworking
CenterSpace is Startup Junkie’s no-cost coworking space on the second floor of the Pryor Center on the Fayetteville Square. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, whiteboards and a reservable conference room for entrepreneur-related meetings and events.
The Startup Junkies Podcast
The Startup Junkies Podcast brings founders, investors and innovators from Northwest Arkansas and around the world to your headphones every week. More than 460 episodes and 200,000+ downloads in the past year, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.
Fayetteville Business Starter Kit
Built with the City of Fayetteville’s Department of Economic Development, the Fayetteville Business Starter Kit is a free webinar series and library of plain-language guides covering licensing, permitting, zoning and the other day-to-day mechanics of opening a business in Fayetteville.
1 Million Cups – Bentonville
A weekly event that brings together entrepreneurs in the Bentonville community over coffee and conversations. At each event, entrepreneurs present their ideas to the community and find inspiration through each other’s stories and experiences.
Lithium Regional Innovation Cluster – LRIC
SJC
ARise
ARise is a statewide initiative designed to support Arkansas entrepreneurs and small businesses through targeted advising, technical assistance, and access to growth resources. Delivered in partnership with local and regional organizations, ARise helps founders navigate critical stages of business development—from idea validation to expansion—by connecting them with experienced advisors, relevant programming, and pathways to capital. The program is focused on strengthening Arkansas’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by meeting founders where they are and helping them take the next step.
SJC
75 Strong
75 Strong is a community-driven initiative focused on strengthening Arkansas’s rural and underrepresented entrepreneurial ecosystems. Through workshops, one-on-one support, and local partnerships, 75 Strong works to identify and empower entrepreneurs in communities that are often overlooked, helping them build sustainable businesses and access the resources they need to grow. The program emphasizes practical support, relationship-building, and long-term economic impact across the state.
SJC
These programs are made possible by the support of our funding partners
We are so grateful for the Walton Family Foundation, the EDA, the SBA, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and other organizations that support our vision of improving lives through entrepreneurship.
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