Retail business accelerator launches
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
The Ozark Retail Accelerator, aimed at helping Arkansas brands break into major retail chains, launched its inaugural cohort of 12 companies yesterday.
Why it matters: Northwest Arkansas is a global retail hub, and the accelerator is designed to help local startups turn products into scalable, shelf-ready brands.
Driving the news: Overseen by Act II Capital Holdings, the accelerator kicked off its first 12-week program with companies across food, beverage, home goods, pet care and consumer products.
The cohort:
- Barham's Ozark Beef of Conway — produces beef snack sticks made from pasture-raised cattle.
- Carbon Chicken of Fayetteville — A backyard system for sustainable gardening.
- femPAQ of Fayetteville — Ready-to-use period preparedness kits.
- Hillfolk of Bentonville — Retailer of artisanal small-batch goods and mass-market crafts.
- Mom's Kitchen/Peanut Pupper of Bentonville — CBD-infused peanut butter designed to calm and support dogs.
- Muckender of Bentonville — Heavy-duty cleaning towels for job sites that are safe for skin.
- Natural State Beverage Co. of Rogers — Reduced-sugar sodas infused with functional ingredients like mushroom extracts.
- New Creations Manufacturer of Newport — Hitch-mounted step accessory for safer access to trucks and trailers.
- Pedal Pops of Farmington — All-natural frozen fruit pops.
- Power Up Pickles of Garfield — Mess-free pickles as a snack for active lifestyles.
- Rosties of Bentonville — Eco-friendly fire starters from coffee husks and beeswax.
- Sam & Sam's Products of Corning — Gluten-free cornmeal mix for frying meats and vegetables.
The bottom line: Backed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the University of Arkansas, the program connects founders with retail experts and former retail buyers to help them scale.