Heartland Forward is raising $4m to expand their accelerator program for entrepreneurs in the "heartland" of the US. 

• Outcome focused: Heartland Forward is a nonprofit “think and do tank” based in Bentonville. Its mission is to provide resources to entrepreneurs and surround them with mentors so as to improve economic performance in the central US. 
• Let it be you: The goal is to reach 1,000 entrepreneurs by 2023. All selected applicants will receive a "$5,000 Pebble Grant, training and assistance to run a rapid, small-scale test of their ideas."

Read the full Talk Business & Politics story HERE. 

Alright you dog people, have you ever wished you could take your pup into the bar?? Well, wish no longer. 

• Something for everyone: The Ozark Beer Company is currently preparing a new location inside of Rope Hounds in Bentonville. The new dog-friendly taproom will feature small batch, and eventually pilot batches of tap-room only draught year round. 
• Hand crafted: Rope Hounds is a local pet supply store right off the square in Bentonville that makes things like dog leases and collars by hand, in-store. Ozark Beer at Rope Hounds is set to open later this fall to you and your furry friends.

For updates, follow their IG HERE. 

Today is the last Thursday of September, meaning it is the last Live at Turnbow event of the season. 

• Hip-swingin’ good: DJ Susie Q and Little Yei are the closing acts, bringing “backyard baile to Downtown Springdale.” On the setlist is Latin dancing classics, Spanish reggae, and hip-hop in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. 
• One last time: Music starts at 6:30 and the outdoor dining district will have all your favorite food and drinks to set the best vibe for your experience in Downtown Springdale.

For more event details, click HERE. 

Fayetteville’s food waste drop-off program won the Arkansas Recycling Coalition’s 2021 Recycling Education Program of the Year award.

• Reduce, reuse, recycle: The program is set up for Fayetteville residents to collect their food waste at home to then drop off at one of five drop-off locations in the city. For residents to participate in the program, the Recycling and Trash Division of Fayetteville provides free buckets and lids for food waste. 
• Well deserved: Fayetteville’s Compost Facility turns waste into nutrient rich compost, meriting the award with the stipulations that a city makes “a significant contribution to the advancement of waste reduction, recycling and sustainability in Arkansas.” 

Read the full press release HERE. 

Tuesday night, Bentonville City Council agreed to begin the process of removing the failed Lake Bella Vista Dam.

• History: The Lake Bella Vista Dam has been a hot topic for the surrounding communities for years, and this past April it was breached due to heavy rain. In its last City Council meeting, the Bentonville City Council decided to remove it.
• Next steps: The Council is going to hire a design team to develop a plan for the site’s next purpose. It is still to be determined if there will be another dam to replace the old one, or if the Little Sugar Creek will be reestablished as a free flowing stream, as is the Council’s desire. 

Read the Council’s resolution in the meeting agenda HERE.