Whether you\u2019re actively building a startup, running a small business, or simply curious about what\u2019s happening in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, these events offer an easy way to learn something new and meet people who are working on interesting things.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s a look at what\u2019s coming up.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Upkept.png” alt=”Event flyer for Startup Stories with Upkept, Inc. featuring owner Robin Atkinson, scheduled for March 19, 6:00\u20137:30 PM at Upkept, Inc. in Rogers. Includes Startup Junkie and Upkept logos and a smiling woman in a white shirt and hat.” title_text=”Upkept” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n March 19 | 6:00 PM<\/b><\/p>\n The Startup Stories series highlights founders from the region who are building innovative businesses and sharing the lessons they\u2019ve learned along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n This edition features <\/span>Robin Atkinson<\/b>, founder of Upkept, a technology-driven clothing repair and alterations platform working to make garment care easier, more sustainable, and more accessible. Instead of replacing clothing, Upkept helps people extend the life of the pieces they already own.<\/span><\/p>\n These evenings are intentionally casual: a founder conversation, time to ask questions, and plenty of opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs in the room. It\u2019s a chance to hear the real story behind building a company \u2014 the wins, the pivots, and the lessons learned along the way.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/startup-stories-with-upkept-inc-tickets-1984324463888?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More & Register” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/eventbrite-template.png” alt=”Event flyer for Womens History Month Happy Hour at Inn at Carnall Hall on March 31, 5:30-7:30 PM, hosted by Startup Junkie, Bank OZK, and City of Fayetteville. Photo of a historic building on the right.” title_text=”eventbrite template” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n March 31 | 5:30 PM | Inn at Carnall Hall<\/b><\/p>\n Sometimes the most valuable thing for an entrepreneur is simply meeting the right person.<\/span><\/p>\n This relaxed networking gathering celebrates <\/span>Women\u2019s History Month<\/b> while bringing together founders, small business owners, and professionals from across the Northwest Arkansas community.<\/span><\/p>\n Expect a welcoming environment, good conversation, and an easy way to plug into the local entrepreneurial network. Events like these are designed to create connections that often turn into collaborations, partnerships, or new ideas down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/womens-history-month-happy-hour-at-the-inn-at-carnall-hall-tickets-1983566417551?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More & Register” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/leg.png” alt=”A smiling older man in glasses and a suit stands in front of shelves. Event details for \u201cThe Startup Legal Toolbox\u201d with legal guidance from Phil Pesek, part of the 2026 Coffee Chat Series, are displayed on the left.” title_text=”leg” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n April 3 | 10:00 AM<\/b><\/p>\n Legal questions are one of the biggest pain points for early-stage founders.<\/span><\/p>\n In this coffee chat workshop, local attorney <\/span>Phil Pesek<\/b> will walk through some of the essential legal tools every startup and small business should have in place. Topics include:<\/span><\/p>\n After the presentation, attendees will have time for Q&A and brief one-on-one conversations. Coffee and donuts are included \u2014 which never hurts.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/coffee-chat-the-startup-legal-toolbox-tickets-1984490899702?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More & Register” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/ap-7.png” alt=”Promotional graphic for Graphic Design 101: Creating Brand Consistency for Small Business Owners, part of the Lunch & Learn Series 2026 on Tuesday, April 7, 12-1 PM at Startup Junkie Office, featuring a smiling woman.” title_text=”ap 7″ align=”center” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n April 7 | 12:00 PM<\/b><\/p>\n Good design isn\u2019t just about aesthetics \u2014 it directly impacts how customers perceive your brand.<\/span><\/p>\n This workshop breaks down the fundamentals of graphic design and shows how entrepreneurs can apply them to everyday business needs like social media posts, presentations, flyers, and marketing materials.<\/span><\/p>\n Led by <\/span>Collab Design Co.<\/b>, a Northwest Arkansas marketing agency focused on brand consistency and visual storytelling, the session aims to give business owners practical design tips they can use immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n Lunch is provided, and attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how strong visuals can support business growth.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/graphic-design-101-with-collab-design-co-tickets-1984491394181?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More & Register” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/iDEAFAMEE.png” alt=”A man in a suit stands at a podium overlooking a baseball stadium. Text promotes the NW Arkansas Naturals Qualifier IDEA FAME Pitch Competition, with event details, logos, and sponsor names on the right.” title_text=”iDEAFAMEE” align=”center” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n April 9 | 5:30 PM | Ozark Music Hall<\/b><\/p>\n Got a big idea?<\/span><\/p>\n This fast-paced pitch competition gives founders the chance to present their concept in front of a live audience and judges for a chance to move forward in the IdeaFame competition.<\/span><\/p>\n Pitch competitions like this are a staple of startup communities because they create a stage for new ideas while connecting founders with mentors, investors, and supporters.<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you\u2019re not pitching, it\u2019s a fun event to attend \u2014 you\u2019ll hear new business ideas, meet founders at the earliest stages of building something, and experience the energy of a room full of entrepreneurs.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/ideafame-pitch-competition-nwa-naturals-qualifier-tickets-1984989901229?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More & Register” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Button” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/startupjunkie.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/kivaaa.png” alt=”A group of people stand and listen at an indoor event. Text reads: kivaNWA Annual Celebration April 23rd 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM The Stonebreaker Hotel. Startup Junkie\u2019s logo appears in the lower left corner.” title_text=”kivaaa” align=”center” admin_label=”Image” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n April 23 | 6:00 PM | The Stonebreaker Hotel<\/b><\/p>\n To close out the month, the community will gather to celebrate entrepreneurs who have used <\/span>Kiva\u2019s 0% interest microloans<\/b> to start and grow businesses across the region.<\/span><\/p>\n Kiva loans allow small business owners to raise capital through community crowdfunding, helping entrepreneurs access funding without traditional barriers.<\/span><\/p>\n The annual celebration brings together borrowers, supporters, and partners to recognize the impact these businesses are having across Northwest Arkansas.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”https:\/\/www.eventbrite.com\/e\/kiva-annual-celebration-tickets-1984159751228?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=organizer-profile&utm-share-source=organizer-profile” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”Learn More & Register” button_alignment=”center” admin_label=”Button” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re building your first company, growing an established business, or simply curious about the entrepreneurial scene in Northwest Arkansas, these gatherings offer a chance to plug into the community.<\/span><\/p>\n Bring a question, bring a friend, or just bring your curiosity.<\/span><\/p>\n You never know who you might meet!<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Spring is shaping up to be a busy season for entrepreneurs and small business owners across Northwest Arkansas. Over the next several weeks, a series of workshops, founder spotlights, networking gatherings, and pitch competitions will bring together builders, creatives, and business leaders from across the region. Whether you\u2019re actively building a startup, running a small […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":5036,"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>Startup Stories with Upkept, Inc.<\/b><\/h2>\n
Women\u2019s History Month Happy Hour<\/b><\/h2>\n
Coffee Chat: The Startup Legal Toolbox<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Graphic Design 101 with Collab Design Co.<\/b><\/h2>\n
IdeaFame Pitch Competition: NWA Naturals Qualifier<\/b><\/h2>\n
Kiva Annual Celebration<\/b><\/h2>\n
Join the Conversation<\/b><\/h2>\n
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