Northwest Arkansas banks distributed fewer Small Business Administration loans to local businesses during the most recent fiscal year, showing a decrease of 23% compared to the previous period.

• Totaling it up: The ten lenders with Northwest Arkansas offices issued 49 SBA loans valuing $27.22m last fiscal year, compared to the previous year's 64 loans worth $39.21m.
• At the front: In terms of both numbers and volume, Arvest Bank was the state's top lender, offering 45 small business loans totaling $8.6m.

Read more from Talk Business & Politics HERE.

February is National Hot Breakfast Month, and we're happy to share our guide to Northwest Arkansas's go-to brunch spots! How many do you think you can try before the end of the month?

• Classic diners: If you're looking for a classic diner vibe, look no further. We'd recommend Susan's in Springdale, Rick's Iron Skillet in Fayetteville, or Wesner's Grill in Rogers. Another favorite, not listed in the guide, is Neal's Cafe in Springdale. Bright hot pink walls filled with taxidermy. What's better than that?
• Boujee breakfast: Want something a little fancier? Try Hail Fellow Well Met in Johnson, Mocking Bird Kitchen in Fayetteville, Mirabella's Table in Rogers, or The Hive in Bentonville.

Find other diners, restaurants, food trucks, and bakeries in our guide HERE.

On Feb 2, Mayor Lioneld Jordan delivered the 2023 State of the City address to the Fayetteville community, recognizing the city's accomplishments and casting vision for the future.

• Looking back: Describing the city's state as "sound," Mayor Jordan called attention to the city's accomplishments in infrastructure, the economy, and the environment, giving credit to the public service workers who have contributed to the city's growth.
• Looking out: Jordan called for a more substantial investment toward affordable housing options for the city's at-risk residents, balancing the remaining portions of American Rescue Plan funding between amenities that would benefit all residents and those supporting our most vulnerable neighbors.

Read NWA Democrat Gazette's summary of the address HERE.

Bringing your favorite Broadway show tunes all the way from New York to Northwest Arkansas, Perry Ryan Theater Company presents From Broadway With Love at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art on Feb 17 and 18.

• All I ask of you: Broadway star Eryn LeCroy will perform love songs from Phantom of the Opera, Carousel, My Fair Lady, and more, accompanied by Dan Miccicchi, the musical director of Wicked on Broadway.
• Broadway for all: The theater enthusiasts behind Perry Ryan Theater Company are passionate about making Broadway-quality theater experiences accessible for all generations and incomes by partnering New York professionals with local talent.

Sounds like a crazy-romantic Valentine's date idea! Get your tickets HERE.

The Record in Bentonville will play host to The Wilderness Education Association's 2023 International Conference on Outdoor Leadership this week from Feb 8-11.

• Host with the most: This year's theme is "Cultivating Innovation," for which Bentonville is a perfect host, having set itself apart in the outdoor industry by leading the charge in the intersection of natural resources, outdoor recreation, and economic development.
• The rundown: The conference schedule includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions and workshops, networking opportunities, and outdoor activities like trail runs around Bentonville.

Read more from Talk Business & Politics HERE.