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Military drone plant opens in Arkansas, drawing protest

The company plans to make unmanned aerial vehicles to operate in coordinated swarms

Business

Tech startup Swarm Aero opened a Northwest Arkansas facility Wednesday to build military drones near Fayetteville&#x27;s Drake Field, with plans to create hundreds of jobs.Why it matters: Regional leaders say the facility positions Northwest Arkansas as a growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="defense manufacturing hub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/04/19/xtremis-technology-ai-rf-electromagnetic" data-vars-content-id="f97842e1-2f60-48cd-9179-6328cccd4129" data-vars-headline="Military drone plant opens in Arkansas, drawing protest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/04/19/xtremis-technology-ai-rf-electromagnetic" target="_self">defense manufacturing hub</a>.

Mixed-use project planned for Bentonville square

The plan is to break ground on The Hart on Main this summer.

News

Construction of a development bringing retail, office and housing to the Bentonville square will begin soon.State of play: The plan is to break ground on The Hart on Main this summer with a &quot;multiyear build ahead,&quot; according to a news release.

Arkansas Gov. Sanders knocks Dems on Fox News

"If Kamala Harris is the best person that the Democrats can run again, I think '28 is looking really good for Republicans," Sanders said.

Politics

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders opined about the 2028 general election on &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fox &amp; Friends" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6389570439112" data-vars-content-id="ac621f56-12f0-4511-9f96-5ed102302d4b" data-vars-headline="Arkansas Gov. Sanders knocks Dems on Fox News" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/video/6389570439112" target="_blank">Fox &amp; Friends</a>&quot; on Thursday, following a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commentary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/democrats-you-may-already-have-lost-the-2028-election-7bab8946?st=6xtgWW&amp;reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink" data-vars-content-id="ac621f56-12f0-4511-9f96-5ed102302d4b" data-vars-headline="Arkansas Gov. Sanders knocks Dems on Fox News" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/opinion/democrats-you-may-already-have-lost-the-2028-election-7bab8946?st=6xtgWW&amp;reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink" target="_blank">commentary</a> in the Wall Street Journal critiquing the Democratic Party.

Filmmaker second in Crystal Bridges speaker series

Ken Burns will speak in April in Bentonville.

Things to Do

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art announced Wednesday that documentary filmmaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ken Burns will be the next speaker" data-vars-click-url="https://crystalbridges.org/calendar/building-bridges-an-evening-with-ken-burns/" data-vars-content-id="ad8181a3-39ed-4141-9ee6-32ede953c7fe" data-vars-headline="Filmmaker second in Crystal Bridges speaker series" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://crystalbridges.org/calendar/building-bridges-an-evening-with-ken-burns/" target="_blank">Ken Burns will be the next speaker</a> in its &quot;Building Bridges&quot; series.Context: The series, happening in conjunction with the United States turning 250 this year, &quot;brings together thought leaders, thinkers and artists to model civic dialogue,&quot; according to a news release.

The Shift: Northwest Arkansas' spring startup season begins

Two events taking place in Bentonville Wednesday will link startups with venture capital.

Two events taking place in Bentonville Wednesday are designed to provide an opportunity to connect startups with venture capital.The big picture: Capital investment gives startups resources to help them grow into mature, profitable businesses.

The Shift: Hightag puts riders in the frame

Hightag lets outdoor athletes capture pro-level photos automatically with smart cameras installed on trails.

Jonathan de la Fuente&#x27;s &quot;aha moment&quot; was on a family snowboarding trip.&quot;We went to dinner afterwards, and everybody was talking about how much of a great day they had,&quot; he told me. &quot;And I realized … there was no proof that I was even on this trip with them, because I was behind the camera.&quot; 📷 The big picture: He founded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hightag" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hightag.com/" data-vars-content-id="647b0e03-e33f-4d4a-bec6-580e8f53b520" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Hightag puts riders in the frame" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hightag.com/" target="_blank">Hightag</a> with brother Alex de la Fuente so he could get in front of the camera.

The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech

Spring is in the air and entrepreneurs are budding.

The Shift

Spring is in the air and entrepreneurs are budding.Why it matters: As the local economy broadens beyond dependence on a few large companies, the University of Arkansas&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation" data-vars-click-url="https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/index.php" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/index.php" target="_blank">Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation</a> (OEI) is helping to build a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and attract talent.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program" data-vars-click-url="https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/programs/greenhouseoutdoorincubator.php" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/programs/greenhouseoutdoorincubator.php" target="_blank">Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program</a> announced a cohort of eight startup companies focused on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outdoor recreation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/02/24/outdoor-recreation-arkansas-economy-7-billion" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2025/02/24/outdoor-recreation-arkansas-economy-7-billion" target="_self">outdoor recreation</a> for its 12-week spring program. The accelerator helps founders fine-tune their business as they work to commercialize a product or service.<ul><li>Graduating participants are eligible for a $15,000 investment from UA that takes no ownership equity.</li></ul>The cohort companies include:<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkie Cypress River Excursions" data-vars-click-url="https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/756327-07#overview" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/756327-07#overview" target="_blank">Arkie Cypress River Excursions</a> of Fayetteville — Guided river tours through Arkansas waterways focused on education, conservation and adventure.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="BEAR10" data-vars-click-url="https://bear10gear.com/" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bear10gear.com/" target="_blank">BEAR10</a> of Bentonville — Mountain bike gear and apparel company created by pro cyclist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Anneke Beerten" data-vars-click-url="https://www.annekebeerten.com/" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.annekebeerten.com/" target="_blank">Anneke Beerten</a>.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hi.Lo Mobile Bicycle Repair" data-vars-click-url="http://hi.lo/" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://hi.lo/" target="_blank">Hi.Lo Mobile Bicycle Repair</a> of Bentonville — On-the-go bike maintenance services.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hilary Lex Treks" data-vars-click-url="https://hilarylextreks.com/" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hilarylextreks.com/" target="_blank">Hilary Lex Treks</a> of Bentonville — Women-focused adventure travel excursions.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SurfTec" data-vars-click-url="https://surftec-engineering.com/" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://surftec-engineering.com/" target="_blank">SurfTec</a> of Fayetteville — Low friction and anti-corrosive coating tech diversifying into bike chain and gear lubrication.</li><li>Take the Lane of Northwest Arkansas — Cycling advocacy and apparel with a focus on women and underrepresented groups.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vamonos Vans" data-vars-click-url="https://vamonosvans.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooFLTUOz4wtARu1WMZHW1zDXSQnCpyT7zTVXDh7cCxX6Y8gJ4YW" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://vamonosvans.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooFLTUOz4wtARu1WMZHW1zDXSQnCpyT7zTVXDh7cCxX6Y8gJ4YW" target="_blank">Vamonos Vans</a> of San Diego, Calif. — Customized adventure and travel vans.</li><li>Zink Lake Recreation of Tulsa, Okla. — Kayaking, paddleboarding and eco-tourism around Tulsa&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Zink Lake" data-vars-click-url="https://www.riverparks.org/experience/zink-info-and-maps" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.riverparks.org/experience/zink-info-and-maps" target="_blank">Zink Lake</a>.</li></ul>The latest: OEI also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced 12 teams" data-vars-click-url="https://news.uark.edu/articles/76894/biotech-medical-startups-dominate-field-for-2025-heartland-challenge" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.uark.edu/articles/76894/biotech-medical-startups-dominate-field-for-2025-heartland-challenge" target="_blank">announced 12 teams</a> that would compete in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Heartland Challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/programs/heartland-challenge.php" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://entrepreneurship.uark.edu/programs/heartland-challenge.php" target="_blank">Heartland Challenge</a> set for April 3-5 at the Ledger in Bentonville. The startups will compete for a pool of $100,000.<ul><li>Many of the competing teams from across the U.S. are focused on biotechnology and medical innovations. </li><li>Part of the pitch competitions are open to the public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with an RSVP" data-vars-click-url="https://airtable.com/appeKqefWFcgB57F3/pagM4yjlsVICQEiQY/form" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://airtable.com/appeKqefWFcgB57F3/pagM4yjlsVICQEiQY/form" target="_blank">with an RSVP</a>.</li></ul>🤑 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Shift" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/the-shift" data-vars-content-id="f9edee9d-5aed-49b0-b786-562833707958" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Bikes, paddles and biotech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/the-shift" target="_self">The Shift</a> is a regular feature to catch up quick on what&#x27;s happening in Arkansas&#x27; economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Shift: Building Northwest Arkansas as video game haunt

Two University of Arkansas graduates founded one of the first video game companies in NWA — Causeway Studios.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Causeway Studios" data-vars-click-url="https://www.causewaystudios.com/" data-vars-content-id="0228a572-c19a-4017-861e-a369ac162a84" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Building Northwest Arkansas as video game haunt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.causewaystudios.com/" target="_blank">Causeway Studios</a>, one of the first video game companies in NWA, was founded by two University of Arkansas graduates who became fast friends in class. Why it matters: While tech-based companies like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicken Sheet" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/07/31/chicken-sheet-logan-webster-fayetteville-app" data-vars-content-id="0228a572-c19a-4017-861e-a369ac162a84" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Building Northwest Arkansas as video game haunt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/07/31/chicken-sheet-logan-webster-fayetteville-app" target="_self">Chicken Sheet</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mejo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/10/18/mejo-pediatric-medical-records-startup" data-vars-content-id="0228a572-c19a-4017-861e-a369ac162a84" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Building Northwest Arkansas as video game haunt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/10/18/mejo-pediatric-medical-records-startup" target="_self">Mejo</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Camoretro" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/01/24/logan-webster-marketplace-camoretro" data-vars-content-id="0228a572-c19a-4017-861e-a369ac162a84" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Building Northwest Arkansas as video game haunt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/01/24/logan-webster-marketplace-camoretro" target="_self">Camoretro</a> are ever more common in NWA, the video game genre is embryonic.

The Shift: Banks, bikes and buds

The year is young, but NWA's entrepreneurial ecosystem is off to a strong start.

The year is young, but NWA&#x27;s entrepreneurial ecosystem is off to a strong start. <h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Catch up quick</h2>👩‍💻 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Startup Northwest Arkansas" data-vars-click-url="https://startupnwa.com/" data-vars-content-id="6aea6eec-2508-4e1c-b300-9851b81471fc" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Banks, bikes and buds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://startupnwa.com/" target="_blank">Startup Northwest Arkansas</a> recently launched a coworking space in downtown Bentonville dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Onward HQ" data-vars-click-url="https://www.onwardhq.org/?utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-94vH6z0utorLBs2ZsDVaXhlY0atwINsZpHM39B_V77GCP3wgIw1VLl5HUByiyWDfAro-e1OWIE_zZRk7QJFbLapFNmrg&amp;_hsmi=341237343&amp;utm_content=341237343&amp;utm_source=hs_email" data-vars-content-id="6aea6eec-2508-4e1c-b300-9851b81471fc" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Banks, bikes and buds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.onwardhq.org/?utm_medium=email&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-94vH6z0utorLBs2ZsDVaXhlY0atwINsZpHM39B_V77GCP3wgIw1VLl5HUByiyWDfAro-e1OWIE_zZRk7QJFbLapFNmrg&amp;_hsmi=341237343&amp;utm_content=341237343&amp;utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">Onward HQ</a>. The spot is designed to support startups and be a landing spot for out-of-area venture capital firms to dip their toe in the region. (Wink, wink, nudge, nudge: they&#x27;re looking to invest.)<ul><li>Serafina Lalany, Startup NWA lead, tells me there will be events for networking and occasional programming to help new businesses learn things like public relations and marketing. </li><li>Membership starts at $20 and runs to $1,888 per month.</li></ul>💸 Rogers-based Oak Tree Financial Corp., led by lawyer Conner Eldridge, recently purchased <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Riverside Bank" data-vars-click-url="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind/details/93#" data-vars-content-id="6aea6eec-2508-4e1c-b300-9851b81471fc" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Banks, bikes and buds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://banks.data.fdic.gov/bankfind-suite/bankfind/details/93#" target="_blank">Riverside Bank</a> of Sparkman (no relation). The holding company raised $10.6 million of its $20 million offering from 55 investors, according to the Securities and Exchange Commission.<ul><li>Riverside has branches in Sparkman and Little Rock and assets of $59.9 million. It closed a loan production office in Fayetteville when interest rates climbed, Eldridge told me. But plans include opening one again in Washington County and, eventually, Benton County.</li><li>Most of the investors live in Arkansas and the firm has hired Robert Robinson from Simmons Bank as president and COO.</li></ul>🚴‍♂️ Cycling-centric entrepreneurs can now apply for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator" data-vars-click-url="https://cyclingaccelerator.com/" data-vars-content-id="6aea6eec-2508-4e1c-b300-9851b81471fc" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Banks, bikes and buds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://cyclingaccelerator.com/" target="_blank">Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator</a>, which will be led by Startup Junkie and UA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/06/14/arkansas-greenhouse-outdoor-recreation-program-entrepreneurs" data-vars-content-id="6aea6eec-2508-4e1c-b300-9851b81471fc" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Banks, bikes and buds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2023/06/14/arkansas-greenhouse-outdoor-recreation-program-entrepreneurs" target="_self">Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program</a>.<ul><li>The accelerator is looking to convene 10 startups for a 10-week program. Applicants are accepted through Feb. 11.</li></ul>🤠 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Shift" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/36085578.4818/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL253LWFya2Fuc2FzL3RoZS1zaGlmdD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX253X2Fya2Fuc2FzJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/60745e98f259136e9e4c81f2Bbe2134ff" data-vars-content-id="6aea6eec-2508-4e1c-b300-9851b81471fc" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Banks, bikes and buds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/36085578.4818/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL253LWFya2Fuc2FzL3RoZS1zaGlmdD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX253X2Fya2Fuc2FzJnN0cmVhbT10b3A/60745e98f259136e9e4c81f2Bbe2134ff" target="_self">The Shift</a> is a regular feature to catch up quick on what&#x27;s happening in Arkansas&#x27; economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Shift: Heartland startups beckoned for investment

Entrepreneurs looking for investors, mentors or to build a network should know about two approaching deadlines.

Entrepreneurs looking for investors, mentors or to build a network should know about two approaching deadlines. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Capital investment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/05/01/venture-capital-investment-down-arkansas" data-vars-content-id="f5c4f3d2-fdef-4f7b-8345-a95dbab5236f" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Heartland startups beckoned for investment" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/05/01/venture-capital-investment-down-arkansas" target="_self">Capital investment</a> gives startups and young companies resources to help them more rapidly grow into mature, profitable businesses.

The Shift: AI-enabled info hub for entrepreneurs launches in Northwest Arkansas

It's a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Northwest Arkansas Council.

Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurs have a new lifeline to help them connect with investors and each other. State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="StartupNWA Hub" data-vars-click-url="https://hub.startupnwa.com/" data-vars-content-id="ec63b2fe-8bc1-48f6-bdd9-6dd32eacf8c4" data-vars-headline="The Shift: AI-enabled info hub for entrepreneurs launches in Northwest Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hub.startupnwa.com/" target="_blank">StartupNWA Hub</a> is an AI-enabled search engine focused on NWA&#x27;s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The Shift: NWA startup season in swing

One new nonprofit convenes entrepreneurs and helps them identify barriers to starting businesses

Back to school means more than football season — it&#x27;s also when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NWA&#x27;s entrepreneurial activity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/06/20/entrepreneur-news-nwa" data-vars-content-id="a8226174-3360-454f-8251-13407f55a242" data-vars-headline="The Shift: NWA startup season in swing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/06/20/entrepreneur-news-nwa" target="_self">NWA&#x27;s entrepreneurial activity</a> ramps up.<ul><li>A couple of recent developments:</li></ul>

The Shift: Making Chicken Sheet

Oftentimes the difference between a profitable farm and one that's not boils down to close management of specific metrics.

Serial entrepreneur <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Logan Webster of Fayetteville" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/01/24/logan-webster-marketplace-camoretro" data-vars-content-id="5eefd770-fc8e-48c3-8261-50d16e856c12" data-vars-headline="The Shift: Making Chicken Sheet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/01/24/logan-webster-marketplace-camoretro" target="_self">Logan Webster of Fayetteville</a> built an app to help chicken farmers manage their flocking finances.Why it matters: Oftentimes, the difference between a profitable farm and one that&#x27;s not boils down to close management of specific metrics, including costs for propane, water and electricity.

The Shift: What's new in NWA's entrepreneurship scene

After a rush of late spring activity in NWA's entrepreneurial world, things are bit slower during the summer months.

After a rush of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="late-spring activity" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/05/06/startup-studios-arkansas-entrepreneurs" data-vars-content-id="40bf7490-0c3b-4787-8a6f-5406315b5525" data-vars-headline="The Shift: What&#x27;s new in NWA&#x27;s entrepreneurship scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/05/06/startup-studios-arkansas-entrepreneurs" target="_self">late-spring activity</a> in NWA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="entrepreneurial world" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/05/09/venture-capital-midcon-vc-summit-bentonville" data-vars-content-id="40bf7490-0c3b-4787-8a6f-5406315b5525" data-vars-headline="The Shift: What&#x27;s new in NWA&#x27;s entrepreneurship scene" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/nw-arkansas/2024/05/09/venture-capital-midcon-vc-summit-bentonville" target="_self">entrepreneurial world</a>, things are a bit slower during summer.The big picture: Here are a few things to keep in mind: