Small Businesses

Startup Junkie’s Fuel Accelerator returns this spring with its equity-free health tech program focused on enterprise sales and commercialization. Alumna Lexi Applequist of Humimic Biosystems shares how the program helped position her organ-on-a-chip company for growth.

Fayetteville boutique Freckled Hen has closed. Owner Natalie Freeman reflects on building the business, becoming a mother and why she chose to end the shop on her own terms.

On today's show, a restored stretch of War Eagle Creek shows how conservation work protects farms, habitat, and northwest Arkansas’ drinking water. Also on today's show, Fayetteville store Freckled Hen closes its doors on its own terms.

Startup Junkie’s annual Startup Crawl filled the Fayetteville square with entrepreneurs, food, music and local craft breweries, showcasing small businesses and community connections.

On today's show, we hear how mall businesses and beer came together last weekend on the Fayetteville Square. Plus, The Momentary is bringing electronic music to Bentonville. We also offer a rundown of the week’s news from the River Valley with Michael Tilley from Talk Business & Politics.

Kris Adams of ARise joins Ozarks at Large's Jack Travis to discuss the accelerator’s inaugural report, highlighting how the program connects founders with expert support across Arkansas.

On today's show, we hear about a statewide tech accelerator that helps entrepreneurs start and sustain their businesses. Also, wildlife officials note that a rise in the state's black bear population means more encounters with Arkansans. Plus, our regular round-up of news from the River Valley with Michael Tilley from Talk Business & Politics.

Chris Wright of Little Rock-based Sullivan Wright Technologies talks with Kyle Kellams about how small businesses can safely integrate artificial intelligence, avoid “shadow AI,” and protect sensitive data while exploring real use cases.

A Walton Family Foundation study shows startups make up over 30% of northwest Arkansas businesses, with strong survival rates and growing support.

Startup Junkie is partnering with TheatreSquared in downtown Fayetteville to host the 2025 Startup World Cup Arkansas Qualifier this August. Caleb Talley, executive director of the Startup Junkie Foundation, joined Ozarks at Large's Matthew Moore in the Bruce and Ann Applegate News Studio 2 to discuss.