Since 2017, Startup Crawl has connected over 10,000 community members<\/strong> with the people and ideas driving Northwest Arkansas forward. This year, we invite you to chart your own path through innovation, inspiration, and craft beer \u2014 all under one sky.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With this year\u2019s theme, Built to Launch, we\u2019re celebrating the bold, the curious, and the future-focused \u2014 from local founders and creatives to the startups building what’s next in Northwest Arkansas. The Crawl will feature a curated mix of emerging companies, local breweries, live music, and space-themed surprises throughout the night.<\/span><\/p>\n Expect a vibrant atmosphere with startups showcased at every stop, along with resource organizations that power the region\u2019s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Participating ticket holders will receive the official Startup Crawl 2025: Built to Launch Cup, which unlocks access to craft beer, cider, and seltzer tastings from some of the area\u2019s favorite breweries.<\/span><\/p>\n This year, we\u2019re expanding the experience with live music throughout the night, creating an immersive soundtrack for your journey through the square. A full lineup of startups, bands, and breweries will be announced as we approach launch day \u2014 along with a few cosmic twists still under wraps.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” custom_margin=”||40px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n EARLY ACCESS TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW<\/b> Launch Sampler Kit:<\/b> Tasting-size pours at each stop \u2014 $10<\/span><\/p>\n Launch Full Pour Pass:<\/b> Full-size pours throughout the crawl \u2014 $20<\/span><\/p>\n The countdown has officially begun.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Startup Crawl is back \u2014 and this year, we\u2019re headed for orbit. Join us on Friday, September 26, 2025, as Startup Junkie brings the community together once again in the heart of downtown Fayetteville for the seventh annual NWA Startup Crawl. Since 2017, Startup Crawl has connected over 10,000 community members with the people and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4465,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" The world of entrepreneurship is filled with stories of passion, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. One such inspiring story comes from Lindsay Neely, founder of Pink Fern, a charming plant shop off College Avenue in Fayetteville, in a row of other woman-owned businesses. In this month\u2019s <\/span>Startup Stories<\/span><\/i>, Lindsay shared her entrepreneurial journey from humble roots to a blossoming business\u2014plant puns intended.\u00a0<\/span><\/p> Lindsay's love for plants and vintage decor began at a young age, fostered by childhood memories of frequenting garage sales and estate sales with her parents. \"I grew up going to second-hand sales with my mom and dad. We loved frequenting garage sales. We\u2019d shop on the side of the road, at estate sales, thrifting\u2026 I love a good deal. And then I started incorporating my love for plants with some of those finds.\"<\/span><\/p> Her passion for plants expanded during her college years when she transitioned from traditional gardening to nurturing houseplants. \"I grew up gardening with my parents, but then in college, in between dorms and apartments, there's not really a good place to garden. So I got more into houseplants at that point, and that was really where that hobby started.\"<\/span><\/p> In 2021, Lindsay took the leap and launched Pink Fern as a part-time venture, initially selling vintage home decor through Instagram. As her business evolved, she began incorporating her love for plants, crafting unique planters and terrariums. \"I started taking plant cuttings and putting them in brass vessels or vintage pottery, taking those to markets, and people really liked it.\"<\/span><\/p> Participating in local events like First Thursday in downtown Fayetteville played a crucial role in Lindsay's journey, helping her gain confidence and connect with the community. \"Doing those events really helped build my confidence. It was a great way to earn a little side money to teaching, and really just bring me out of my shell because I used to be more introverted, and it really helped bring out a more extroverted side to me, which I think is easy when you get to talk about things you love.\"<\/span><\/p> From the outset, Lindsay recognized the importance of strong branding for her budding business. \"One of my first tasks that I wanted to do was to really nail down some branding from the get-go, because I knew it was always at least going to be a side hustle. And I think for me, as a consumer, seeing a business that makes a statement with their branding and a consistent aesthetic really, really makes a statement.\"<\/span><\/p> Lindsay also tapped into the wealth of resources available in Northwest Arkansas, including <\/span>Kiva NWA<\/span><\/a>, a microloan organization that provided her with valuable consulting and financial assistance. \"I also got help from Kiva. They helped me. They have a lot of great free resources. And so I did a Zoom meeting with Martha Londagin, and she took a look at my business, heard my story, and had some great feedback on what I should be doing.\"<\/span><\/p> As the demands of her teaching career and Pink Fern grew, Lindsay found herself at a crossroads. \"The more I thought about it, and knowing myself, I knew that if I didn't at least try, I'd always play that <\/span>What if\u2026<\/span><\/i> game, right? I\u2019d always wonder, <\/span>What if I had gone all in? What if I had tried harder? What if I hadn't been so scared? <\/span><\/i>So I went all in.\"<\/span><\/p>
<\/b> Your first chance to launch \u2014 limited quantities at the best prices!<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-9-200x300.jpg\")
<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-6-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-2-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-3-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Pink-Fern-8-300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>