Home Region Program Director Robert Burns sits in conversation with a local leader helping underserved entrepreneurs grow great ideas

Entrepreneurship is key in building a vibrant economy. In Northwest Arkansas, the Walton Family Foundation is working to cultivate and expand the entrepreneurial ecosystem. As part of that vision, the foundation is supporting community partners as they build a pipeline for diverse entrepreneurial talent and remove barriers for underserved entrepreneurs.

How the Walton Family Foundation supports and advances entrepreneurship in the region

In Northwest Arkansas, Right to Start amplifies the voices of underserved entrepreneurs and helps remove barriers to their success

In Northwest Arkansas, Communities Unlimited sets underserved entrepreneurs up for success

EforAll brings inclusive entrepreneurship training to Northwest Arkansas’ Hispanic community

Access to capital, training and mentorship networks is critical to the success of minority-owned businesses

Ensuring all entrepreneurs have the opportunity to succeed is vital to a thriving economy. Less than 20% of venture capital is directed to the Heartland. In addition to this geographic disparity, less than 10% of all capital is invested in female and other underrepresented entrepreneurs. The Walton Family Foundation is focused on supporting initiatives that foster a culture of entrepreneurship in Northwest Arkansas.

A startup conceived at the University of Arkansas grows through persistent mentorship and a strong sense of place.

April Seggebruch launched her tech startup, Movista, with guidance from University of Arkansas professor Carol Reeves.

Entrepreneurs create jobs, foster innovation and build vibrant communities. But to tap into these transformative benefits, the path to success must be accessible to everyone. That’s why the Walton Family Foundation is working with non-profit organizations that support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey in Northwest Arkansas, from startup to scale-up. We believe a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem improves the quality of life for people across the region.

In Northwest Arkansas, entrepreneur Edwin Ortiz leverages a host of local resources to bring his startup dreams to life.

In Northwest Arkansas, Luncher CEO Edwin Ortiz found a supportive community of entrepreneurs eager to help his young company test and refine its free meal-delivery service.

I feel lucky to work with people brimming with tremendous ideas to help the region prosper.

In Northwest Arkansas, Startup Crawl celebrates a community bubbling with innovative talent.

Annual event teaches kids how to mix business with summer fun