Excellerate Foundation and Walton Family Foundation have joined forces with local academic institutions and major employers in Northwest Arkansas to create opportunities for local residents to succeed in the healthcare field. 

• Into the field: Upskill NWA is a program to assist people with lower incomes who have a desire for a healthcare career. Opportunities through Upskill NWA include academic, career, and financial assistance.
• Community support: The program is supported by and in collaboration with multiple like-minded entities throughout the community, allowing for services such as tuition, books, transportation, and childcare to be provided at no cost to participants. Success is ensured by Upskill NWA Career Navigators walks with participants every step of the way.

Learn more and apply HERE. 

In 2021, Northwest Arkansas home sale values increased 20.3% from the previous year, capping a 10-year period of residential real estate growth.

• A jump: In 10 years, the home market grew from a little over $1b to an almost $4b market. Real estate agents in Washington and Benton counties collectively sold $3.97b in residential real estate last year. 
• Compared: Benton County had a sales volume of $2.56b last year, and Washington County had a sales volume of $1.31b. In the 2 counties combined in 2021, real estate agents sold 12,336 properties, which is a 2.4% increase from 12,048 in 2020. From 2019 to 2020, there was a 12.8% increase.

Read the full Talk Business and Politics story HERE. 

The film scene in Northwest Arkansas is growing steadily as Film Festivals become bigger, better, and more inclusive. 

• Rogers: Tickets for the Rogers Short Film Festival in one month are now available at the Victory Theatre. The regular film submission deadline is today, and the extended deadline is Feb. 21. There will be a VIP lounge, networking breakfast, happy hour, and awards party all at different local Rogers businesses throughout the festival. 
• Fayetteville: The titles for the Feb. 25 Fayetteville Film Fest have been released. The titles of the 5 films are preceded by their run times, type, director, and a synopsis of the story. Tickets are still available to purchase. 

For more information about the Rogers Short Film Festival, click HERE. For more information about Fayetteville Film Fest, click HERE. 

Say “I love you” this Valentine’s Day with the gift of theatre or live music and receive discounts from participating local businesses along the way. 

• Entertainment: Plan the perfect night out with a show to color your Valentine’s evening. For the month of February, you can show your receipt for tickets or gift certificates from Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP to select local businesses and receive special offers. 
• Shop local: The special offers include, but are not limited to 10% off your total purchase at Pearls Books, 10% off whole bean coffee at Onyx Coffee Lab, and free delivery from Zuzu’s Petals & Gifts on Valentine’s day. 

For a full list of local deals and details click HERE. 

It's almost Valentine's Day and there are plenty of ways to make it special for your special someone -- taking them out to eat somewhere nice is hardly ever a bad idea.

• Foodies: Here at NWA Daily, we love celebrating love and relationships over a good meal, so we've compiled a list of our favorite date night dinner spots in NWA in our most recent Guide!
• Around town: We have listed 18 restaurants throughout Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville with little snippets about each one so you can pick which will be the perfect place to try this Valentine's Day.

See the Date Night Spots Guide HERE.