The Northwest Arkansas Startup Crawl will return to downtown Fayetteville on Friday, Sept. 13, for an evening-long celebration of the region’s budding entrepreneurial ecosystem. The third annual event is organized by Startup Junkie, the mission-driven organization and startup resource dedicated to improving lives through innovation and entrepreneurship.
Launched in 2017, the Startup Crawl has connected more than 2,500 members of the Northwest Arkansas community to the region’s most exciting startups, founders and creatives over a shared interest in local craft beer and live music.
“It’s the biggest startup party in Arkansas,” said Caleb Talley, director of event for Startup Junkie. “There are so many incredible young companies and innovate thinkers right here in our own back yard. Startup Crawl gives everyone the opportunity to meet these awesome people, to get a glimpse inside their world in as fun an atmosphere as any.”
The Startup Crawl will kick off on the downtown Fayetteville square at 6 p.m. Guests will check in at a station located on East Avenue, where paid ticket holders will receive a Startup Crawl-branded, reusable Silipint cup. With that cup, attendees will be able to enjoy beers from the local craft breweries that have been paired with each of the 12 stops along the crawl, as well as from the beer garden located on the same street.
This year’s stops include: Startup Junkie, Zenworks, SharpHue, Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub, Metova, Lineus Medical, AXIS Lounge, the NWA Fab Lab, Big Box Karaoke, Likewise, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), and Newmark MTP at 112 Center.
In addition to the 12 stops, the Startup Crawl will feature a mega-location at the Pryor Center, 1 E. Center St., where dozens of startups will be exhibiting and interacting with everyone in attendance.
Some of the featured stops, too, will showcase local startups. Attendees can meet incredible student entrepreneurs at the Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub. The ASBTDC will showcase a number of small business clients. Likewise, a collaborative workspace and the youngest Crawl stop, will feature incoming vendors, artists and chefs.
Out front of the Pryor Center, on South East Avenue, from East Rock to East Mountain streets, live music will be performed from the Startup Crawl’s main stage, one of three throughout the crawl. Musical performances include Dial Up, Faye Moffett, Aricka Lewis and Honey Collective, Josh Noren and Melody Pond.
In addition to a stage and beer garden, East Avenue, located right outside of the Pryor Center, will play host to activities like cornhole, giant Jenga and giant Connect Four, provided by Startup Crawl’s title sponsor, Cox. The space will also feature food trucks and more.
“We’re so excited to be a part of this year’s Startup Crawl,” said Whitney Yoder, public relations manager for Cox. “We’re proud supporters of the Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurial community, and this has been a great opportunity to demonstrate that ongoing support. It’s a party we didn’t want to miss out on.”
In addition to their cups, paid guests over 21 years of age will receive a wristband and a passport listing all 12 stops. Crawlers who have their passports marked by each of the 12 stops along the Crawl will be entered for a chance to win a prize.
With their wristband, Crawlers will be able to keep the party alive well after the official festivities have concluded. Pinpoint, Arkansas’ first and only pinball bar, located on Block Avenue, will be hosting crawlers until 2 a.m., serving as the official afterparty of this year’s Startup Crawl. Anyone with an official Startup Crawl wristband will have access to a specialty cocktail crafted exclusively for Crawl participants. The specialty cocktail also comes with complimentary tokens to play any of Pinpoint’s more than 20 arcade games.
Likewise, too, will be hosting Crawlers into the evening with an open house to showcase their new space. Live music and drinks will be enjoyed there during and after the Startup Crawl.
The third annual Startup Crawl is free to attend, but those interested in joining in on the festivities are encouraged to register here. Tickets to access everything the Startup Crawl has to offer, including local craft beer, are $15 and can be purchased here.
Check out the full list of Startup Crawl stops:
· Zenwork– 1 East Center St., Suite #250
· Metova– 112 West Center St., Suite #600
· Brewer Family Entrepreneurship Hub– 123 West Mountain St.
· Startup Junkie– 1 East Center St., Suite #270
· Lineus Medical– 179 North Church Ave., Suite #202
· Newmark MTP– 112 West Center St., Suite #2
· Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center– 240 North Block Ave.
· NWA Fab Lab– 21 West Mountain St., Suite #123
· Big Box Karaoke– 115 North Block Ave.
· AXIS Lounge– 25 East Center St.
· SharpHue– 1 East Center St., Suite #210
· Likewise– 70 North College Ave.
See the updated list of participating startups here.
Featured Breweries:
• Bike Rack Brewing Company
• Black Apple Crossing
• Fossil Cove Brewing Company
• Saddlebock Brewing
• Ozark Beer Company
• New Province
• Hawk Moth
• Ox Bend Brewery
• Colombus House Brewery
• Fort Smith Brewing Company
• JJ’s Brewing Company
• Diamond Bear Brewing
Other things to look for at this year’s Startup Crawl:
• Maker Made CNC, one of the companies exhibiting at the Pryor Center, will be giving away a brand-new 3D printer to a local school that receives the most nominations from attendees.
• Three stages will be set across downtown Fayetteville, outside of the Pryor Center, on Church Avenue and Block Street.
• Electric scooters may make their Fayetteville debut during this year’s Startup Crawl. With plans to be on-line in early September, VeoRide electric scooters will be available to attendees.
• Visit with attorneys from Hall Estill Law Firm, this year’s official beer sponsor, at the Newmark MTP stop at 112 Center.
• Grab the September issue of Arkansas Money & Politics, which will feature exclusive coverage of this year’s Startup Crawl.
• Check out leisurlist for more information about the bands and beers featured at this year’s Startup Crawl.
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