The 2023 Heartland Challenge Startup Competition presents the Startup Expo this Saturday, Apr 15, where 12 semi-finalist teams will be displayed for the public to explore and engage with.

• With a side of learning: Attendees can enjoy free food and drinks while learning about the participating startups and casting their vote for a $5,000 audience favorite prize.
• Venture Journey: The Heartland Challenge simulates the process of raising venture capital for high-growth enterprises and is Arkansas's first global student startup competition. Since its virtual debut in the Spring of 2020, the competition has awarded over $350,000 to deserving startups.

Mark your calendars and register for the Startup Expo HERE.

There is much to do in Northwest Arkansas this weekend! Get out there and have some fun!

• Pedal pros: Centennial Park in Fayetteville is hosting the 2023 US Pro Cup! Take a visit up the mountain and witness some legendary mountain biking!
• Tulips galore: True Colors Tulips Farm in Bentonville still has plenty of tulips in full bloom and will be open this weekend, Fri-Sun, from 10a-6p, along with food trucks and barrel train rides!
• Pitch perfect: Warm up your singing voices for the 6th annual VoiceJam Festival this weekend, Apr 14-15, at Walton Arts Center, where six a cappella groups from across the US will compete for the title of VoiceJam Champion.
• Ruby red slippers: Join the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkoma for the 9th Annual Red Shoe Soirée tonight, Apr 14, at Heroncrest in Elm Springs from 7-11p. 
• Call them hogs: Get your Arkansas Sports fix during Wooo Pig Weekend, Apr 14-16, with five Arkansas teams competing across the Hill Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
• Innovation station: The 2023 Heartland Challenge Startup Competition presents the Startup Expo this Saturday, Apr 15, where 12 semi-finalist teams will be displayed for the public to explore and engage with.
• Grind some gravel: It's not too late to sign up for Gravel Fest for MS, Apr 15-16, a two-day ride through scenic back roads of the Ozarks with an overnight stay at Rockford Grange Farm, including food, drinks, live music, and more... and s'mores! 
• Running of the pigs: The 47th Annual Hogeye Marathon, half marathon, & 4-person relays are this Saturday, Apr 15, followed by the Sunday Fun Day 5k & 10k on Apr 16. 
• Apple of my eye: The Rogers Historical Museum is opening A Parade of Apple Blossoms on Saturday, Apr 15, a new exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of Rogers's first Apple Blossom Festival.
• Kids show: Walton Arts Center will present a showing of Windmill Theatre's Hiccup! on Sunday, Apr 16, a hilarious rocking musical about friendship and getting over a case of the hiccups.

Sounds like a great weekend in Northwest Arkansas. Enjoy yourselves!

Northwest Arkansas's Arvest Bank has been recognized in Forbes' World's Best Banks 2023 list for the fifth consecutive year, being named among the top 415 banks internationally.

• Globally: The list was compiled with data from market research firm Statista, based on a worldwide survey of 48,000 bank customers across 32 countries, evaluating banks on trust, terms and conditions, customer services, digital services, and financial advice.
• Nationally: Within US borders, Arvest ranked 20th, the fourth consecutive year the bank has landed in the top 20 of most trusted banks in the country.

Explore the entire list by Forbes HERE. 

Orthodox Farmhouse Brewery, a passion project by local brewer Jesse Gagnon and his wife Ashlyn, opened last weekend in Goshen. We made the drive out and may have a new favorite spot! 

• Expert brewing: As an American farmhouse brewery inspired by Belgian brewing traditions, Gagnon shows off his brewing expertise through his small-batch flavors. Currently offering a white, saison, stout, and IPA on tap, it was hard to pick a favorite, so try a flight! 
• Ideal setting: The drive through Goshen’s farmland prepares you for the agrarian feel of Orthodox, and the blossoming spring flowers and redbuds on the property create the perfect backdrop for the early days of NWA’s newest brewery, which we anticipate will become one of the area’s favorite places to gather and connect! 

Check it out this weekend, and follow them on Instagram for updates HERE. 🍻