Local non-profits Arkansas United and Ozark Literacy Council are joining forces to help immigrates integrate into the NWA workforce.

• With a growing number of immigrants and refugees settling in Northwest Arkansas, these two groups were both chosen by World Education Services to help reduce local barriers such as getting jobs, finding placements, adjusting to the culture, and settling into the community.
• The goal "...is all about opening more doors to skilled immigrant workers so they have the opportunities to pursue fulfilling careers and become even more productive members" of the community.

Read more about the initiative and progress HERE.

Northwest Arkansas has a solid selection of craft beer, yet one in particular continues to catch eyes of Thrillist, Food & Wine, and the likes.

• Rave Reviews recently put together their list of the 30 Best Breweries in the Southeast. Arkansas had a few land within the top 30 and one that calls NWA home.
• Coming in at No. 24 on the list was Roger's based Ozark Beer Company. The methodology used to rank these 30 breweries included 5 criteria: nostalgia & culture, popularity of items, scarcity & demand, local following, and brewery vibe.

Learn more about the other great beers in the SE HERE.

It’s Small Business Week, and Matchstick Studio is providing 10 easy ways to improve your small business website today!

• Impressions matter: If you own a business, you know the next few months are the biggest for online traffic. Matchstick loves empowering entrepreneurs, makers, and service providers with high-performing websites. That's why it created Modular Orange.
• Quality over quantity: Time is of the essence to get your site ramped up. Matchstick Studio recommends checking your mobile-friendly capabilities, SSL security certificate, and content to make sure its fresh and accurate.

Need help or more advice? Learn HERE.

A collaborator with some of the best brands in North America has set up shop in Bentonville and is now open!

• New location, best location: BRIKA is a modern retail agency that partners with brands and gives them spaces to thrive. With locations in Ontario, New York, and Colorado, BRIKA's latest location is set up in a stunning old building in downtown Bentonville. 
• Curated collaboration: From concept generation, branding, pop-up procurement to retail strategy, BRIKA does it all with top notch names like Madewell, Hallmark, Roots and more. Check out the new space at 123 West Central.

Follow Brika Bentonville on instagram, HERE. 

Walton Arts Center is kicking off its 30^th anniversary season with an exhibition showcasing creative talents within Northwest Arkansas.

• Works by local artists representing 16 cities across the region will be featured in Our Art, Our Region, Our Time, on display Sept. 30 to Nov. 5. The exhibition includes 73 pieces by 64 artists of diverse communities that call NWA home.
• The public is invited to a free opening reception 6-8 pm on Thursday, Sept. 30 at Walton Arts Center. The free exhibition will be open from noon to 2 pm on weekdays Oct. 1 through Nov. 5.

Learn more about the artist selected HERE