I Am Northwest Arkansas®

About the Show:We sat down with Rodrigo Salas and Ana Ortiz from Entrepreneurship For All NWA - EForAll - to talk about their new program launched recently here in Northwest Arkansas. Founded in Massachusetts, an Entrepreneur started EForAll to serve the underserved regarding business startup advice, guidance, and encouragement. The program focuses on mentoring and developing the startup entrepreneur. EForAll will introduce you to mentors, and they will take you through Cohort training, where you will learn alongside other entrepreneurs that are just getting started. In addition, EForAll offers a pitch competition where you can develop your presentation skills and learn the best way to share your story with the world in a compelling manner.   All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Rodrigo SalasEmail Ana OrtizWebsite EForAll NWAEForAll on LinkedInEForAll on InstagramThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We sat down with Lauren Blanco, the Co-Founder, and CEO of Markham and Fitz Chocolate in Bentonville.  Lauren shared her origin story and how she found success with making Chocolate. Hear how time spent in war-torn parts of West Africa introduced her to the Cocoa Bean.  Learn how they developed the Markham & Fitz name - hint, they wanted a solid trademark.Discover how Lauren’s mom's baking skills influenced her.  Learn why Dark Chocolate is good for you and why Markham & Fitz uses organic ingredients simply to make their chocolate stand out in the crowded candy bar market. The higher the percentage of chocolate in a bar, the less sugar is involved.  According to Lauren, the health benefits of chocolate started in bars with 70 percent or more chocolate.  You can visit their Dessert Bar and Cafe at the 8th St. Market in Bentonville to sample their goodies.  You can also order their chocolate bars and confections online for delivery on their website - MarkhamandFitz.com. And, if that is not enough on Friday afternoons, you can stop by the shop and try out new chocolate offerings before they release them to the public.In addition to ordering the chocolate bars online and at the 8th St. Market, you can also find Markham & Fitz Chocolate Bars at Ozark Natural Foods, Whole Foods, and Snack Labs.All this and more on this “SWEET” episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Connect with Lauren BlancoWebsite for Markham & FitzMarkham & Fitz on InstagramMarkham & Fitz on FacebookThe video we did for Markham & FitzWebsite for Onyx Coffee LabMention the Discount Code: IAMNWA10 for 10 Percent off your Chocolate purchase online at Markham & Fitz. This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We sit down with two good friends of the podcast, Jerra Nalley Toms and Jeremy Tran, to talk about the year that was 2021.We experienced highs and lows this year. And, there is also a lot to look forward to in the future. This podcast is the first time we have done a year-in-review episode, and we hope you enjoy it.  As we said in episode 151 last week, we have accomplished a lot with the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast in 2021, and we just want to acknowledge our fans and listeners by saying, “Thank You!”All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for Jerra Nalley TomsJeremy Tran - IamGastronome on LinkedInSpecial Edition Episode Five New Things with Jerra Nalley TomsEpisode 146 with Jeremy Tran and I am GastronomeHolidazeWebsite for Forge FundWebsite for Cureate.coWebsite for ASAMI TeaWebsite for Walton Arts CenterWebsite for Theater SquaredWebsite for Fresh Grass Music FestivalWebsite for Onyx Coffee LabWebsite for BiteNWAOlivia Trimble and Sleet City Woman on LinkedInWebsite for JJ’s LiveSnoop Dog at Raising CanesWebsite for Walton College of BusinessWebsite for Livsn DesignsWebsite for Ozark Natural FoodsWebsite for BikeNWAWebsite for CanooWhole Health Institute Website for NWA Food BankWebsite for Onward Ozarks with NWA CouncilOzarks at Large and I am Northwest Arkansas This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:Wow, 151 Episodes! Can you believe it?This is a short episode where we share all of the things we are thankful for this holiday season. We have accomplished a lot with the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, and we just want to acknowledge our fans and listeners by saying, “Thank You!”All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Episode 109 with Skill Labs TrainingEpisode 121 with Wes Craiglow and ULIEpisode 122 with Pedal It ForwardEpisode 139 with Daymara BakerEpisode 144 with MyceliumEpisode 146 with Jeremy Tran and I am GastronomeWebsite for Onward Ozarks with NWA CouncilGood Day NWAOzarks at Large and I am Northwest ArkansasCryptocurrencyBlockchainNFT - Non-Fungible Tokens This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We recently sat down with Kim Bryden, founder of Cureate, to discuss her organization and the service they provide, “food and beverage supply and demand matchmaking.” Cureate is only seven years old, but they have built a three-legged stool of services to help these small businesses grow.Cureate Courses is a cohort model training program.Cureate Connect is a master supplier of local goods.Cureate Consult works with local governments and stimulates economic development for the food and beverage service space. Cureate, in conjunction with Forge Fund, is hosting a pitch competition in Northwest Arkansas - Springdale -  with ten members of the Cureate Course Cohort.  The competition will net the winner $5K. This pitch competition promises to be the first of many.  Visit Cureate.co to learn more about Kim and the Cureate program.  All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Kim BrydenWebsite for CureateCureate on InstagramCureate on TwitterCureate on FacebookCureate on LinkedInWebsite for Resplendent HospitalityWebsite for Khana GrillWebsite for Leverett LoungeWebsite for Bites and BowlsWebsite for Tinto’s and TapasWebsite for Pure JoyThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We recently sat down with Alvin Singh and Martha Londagin from Startup Junkie and Kiva NWA to discuss small business startups and the micro-lending climate in Northwest Arkansas.  There are so many options available to anyone starting or running a small business here in Northwest Arkansas. Everything from small business coaching and consulting to strategic business advice and technical knowledge. Unfortunately, not everyone gets access to these services.  Kiva US’ mission is to serve disadvantaged small business owners or start-ups.  Kiva NWA is doing just that right here in Northwest Arkansas. Hear the whole Kiva story from Martha and Alvin.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Website for KivaNWA.orgWebsite for Startup JunkieWebsite for ASBTDCWebsite for Forge FundWebsite for E-For AllWebsite for Communities UnlimitedWebsite for The Walton Family FoundationAlvin Singh on LinkedInMartha Londagin on LinkedInKivaNWA on FacebookShow Notes for Martha Londagin Startup JunkiePodcast Episode with IANWAMuhammad Yunus and Grameen Bank This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We recently sat down with Jaron “Jay” Best. Jaron is a recipient of the Life Works Here initiative put on by the NWA Council and made possible by philanthropic support from the Walton Family Foundation.   Jaron learned about the program from a friend while living in Boston and working for Keurig Dr. Pepper and decided to throw his hat in the ring to see if he would be chosen.  As of February 2021, the Life Works Here program has received more than 26,000 applications from 115 countries and 50 states.  Jaron was one of the first people chosen, and he is glad it happened. Jaron still works for Keurig Dr. Pepper, and his family relocated from Boston to Northwest Arkansas.Hear the whole story and learn more about this once-in-a-lifetime program and how it changes the complexion of work in Northwest Arkansas.All this and more on this episode of I am Northwest Arkansas.Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Jaron BestJaron Best on LinkedInWebsite for Pizzeria RubyWebsite for Havana Tropical GrillWebsite for Life Works HereWebsite for NWA CouncilWebsite for AXIOS NWA This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:There is so much to be Thankful for this Thanksgiving. We share our thoughts about this holiday and season we are in here at I am Northwest Arkansas. We are excited about the future and are looking forward to finishing the year strong. 2022 is going to be Amazing!  We are also thankful for all of the guests that have been on the show. To date, we have released 146 episodes, and each of them is special to us. We wanted to list a few if you wanted one or two during your Thanksgiving Holiday. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Episodes mentioned:39 with Chef Jason Paul from Heirloom42 with  Nate Walls from 2nd Hand Smoke BBQ46 with the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville56 with 37Northexpeditions.com63 with Doug Allen from Jose's Bar & Grill75 with Ox Founder Charu Thomas88 with Andrew Gibbs Dabney from LIVSN91 with Chef Erin Rowe from Ozark Culinary Tours97 with Ozark Natural Foods the Coop109 with Skills Lab Training in Bentonville117 with Amanda Childs from Community Service Inc.That should get you to and from Grandma's house without a problem. ;-)We appreciate all of our listeners and supporters like Signature Bank, Bike NWA, and the individual listeners that keep encouraging us to press "Record!"  Happy Thanksgiving! This episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:On the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast, we talk about the fertile ground for entrepreneurial opportunities in NWA. Whether you like music, art, or hope to create the next Walmart, there is something for everyone willing to hustle and make things happen. The Food scene in NWA is another place of growth and opportunity. Jeremy Tran, the Founder of I am Gastronome, is doing his part to advance the culinary scene. Jeremy started I am Gastronome to catalog his experience visiting excellent local restaurants, food trucks, and events. This love of food has become a full-time endeavor for Jeremy that has allowed him to sharpen his storytelling around food and the people that create some of the finest recipes and meals in Northwest Arkansas. Hear all about his entrepreneurial food journey and why you should follow him on social media to stay on top of the food scene. Your stomach will thank you! All of this and more on this podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Jeremy TranI Am Gastronome on InstagramI Am Gastronome on FacebookI Am Gastronome on LinkedInThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com

About the Show:We sat down with Dan Robinson, Executive Director of Fayetteville, Public TV. Dan is a long-time resident of Fayetteville that has had experience in the local music, radio, and public television scene. He has a big heart to serve the needs of our local community in any capacity at his disposal. “Giving people the opportunity to produce content without the obstacles of cost or censorship was very exciting to me!”In 2017, following the Fayetteville Public Library model, Dan got Fayetteville Public TV to open up its resources to Benton and Washington County residents for a small annual fee of $50. Fayetteville Public TV will not only help you use their equipment and studio to produce content, but they will also work with you to determine if you have the right equipment to do what you want to do with video. You can take courses on content creation to help you bring your video and podcast ideas to life. Fayetteville Public TV also offers edit bays for use in 3-hour increments. If you want to create something special via video, you need to visit Faypublic.tv to learn more about all of their services. If you connect with Dan, let him know that you heard about him first on the I am Northwest Arkansas podcast.All of this and more on this podcast episode. Important Links and Mentions on the Show*Email Dan RobinsonWebsite for Fayetteville Public TVFayetteville Public TV on InstagramFayetteville Public TV on FacebookFayetteville Public TV on YouTubeThis episode is sponsored by*Signature Bank of Arkansas "Community Banking at its Best!" Try Canva For Free Today! Northwest Arkansas Council - "Life Works Here!" *Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.Connect more with I am Northwest Arkansas:Grab our Newsletter Email Us at hello@iamnorthwestarkansas.comConnect With Our Facebook Page Connect With Us on Threads Connect With Our Instagram Connect With Our LinkedIn PageJoin The Facebook Group Connect with our Fearless Host, Randy Wilburn on LinkedInThank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks. Consider donating to our production team to keep this podcast running smoothly. Donate to I Am Northwest Arkansas Mentioned in this episode:FindItNWA.com🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now. FindItNWA.com