Talk Business & Politics spotlights the keynote conversation with Jared Weinstein and Steve Nelson and writes about the momentum that made FX2026 one for the books.

Founder April Roy is celebrating 8 years of entrepreneurship with the company's biggest milestone yet with a Walmart launch coming in May 2026.

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs has deployed 700+ VR wellness kits to veterans nationwide, with Little Rock-based Healium powering the clinically validated technology at its core.

The Huntleys are bringing whole-person, individualized fertility care to NWA, a region where 40–50% of patients currently have to travel out of market for treatment.

The Springdale-based fintech has officially moved into its new home, built to support its growing team serving community banks across the country.

Lance Lockwood and Joseph Hobbs represented Altaris MedTech at one of the nation's top business plan competitions — landing 4th place overall and, for Lance, 1st place in the elevator pitch.

Five years in the making, the Rogers-based world's best coffee shop has debuted a curated line of finished beverages built to the same standards as their award-winning cafés.

The NWA entrepreneur built an AI agent that builds a live process map, a custom knowledge base, and a ranked list of where AI can save you the most time. The tool is free and open to anyone.

The Bentonville-based AI supply chain platform for CPG suppliers took 2nd at BoilerLaunch, reached profitability in March, and was a finalist at the Arkansas Governor's Cup — all in one quarter.

One of the most competitive accelerators in tech is taking applications for its next San Francisco cohort running July 27 through October 11. Up to $1M in investment plus $5M in credits per accepted company. Applications close May 17.

save the date FOR THE NEXT onward fx

We're already thinking about the next cycle, and we want you there. Onward FX is returning this September in Little Rock for two days of momentum, connection, and the kind of energy that moves things forward. Founders: A new call for applications is coming soon. If you've been thinking about it or applied this cycle and missed your meeting, apply again. The next cycle is your shot.

THE WEEKLY GRIND: NWA TECH MEETUP

Coffee, conversation and new connections at Onward HQ. The weekly gathering for builders and operators.

OPEN COWORKING at Onward HQ

Pull up a desk for a day of focused work and spontaneous connection in the heart of Bentonville.

ONWARD HQ FOUNDERS DINNER

A monthly, members-only gathering at Onward HQ for founders and startup operators to unwind, share updates, and connect with peers in the ecosystem.

VIN PORTFOLIO webinar: SOLARIS VACCINES

Tune in for a VIC Investor Network webinar featuring Solaris Vaccines, a life science company using UV light technology to develop safer vaccines and countermeasures against infectious pathogens. Open to accredited investors.

CENTRAL REFERRAL CONNECTION — ROGERS

Connect with local professionals at this weekly Rogers-Lowell Chamber networking event, where attendees practice quick elevator pitches, share referrals, and build relationships across Northwest Arkansas.

MSPI INFO SESSION — FAYETTEVILLE

Explore the University of Arkansas’ Master of Science in Product Innovation at this lunch-and-learn hosted by Startup Junkie, with a closer look at how the program helps founders and product leaders take ideas from zero to one.

FUEL HEALTHTECH SHOWCASE 2026

Watch the 2026 HealthTech cohort pitch live in the Legends Air Center at Thaden Field. Networking, keynote, pitches, and a cocktail afterparty to close the night.

SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT — LITTLE ROCK

Join entrepreneurs and business leaders in Little Rock for a half-day summit focused on growth, operations and long-term planning through workshops and panels.

minneapolis angel fest 2026

Angels, LPs, emerging investors and founders gather in Minneapolis for two days on early-stage investing, deal-making and the human side of backing companies.

FLIPSPACE 1.0 — BENTONVILLE

Got an idea you haven't acted on yet? Highway Ventures is running a structured program to help you pressure-test it. Finish with a polished application for venture studio support and potential investment in vertical AI and advanced mobility.