EforAll selects 17 for first accelerator

Massachusetts-based nonprofit Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) has selected two cohorts for its first business accelerator programs in Northwest Arkansas, giving young startups the chance to take their business to the next level.

EforAll will support 17 startups — nine English-speaking and eight Spanish-speaking — with mentorship, curriculum, co-working space and opportunities to win seed money. The first accelerator runs from January through December 2022. Organizers will use a hybrid approach, where most classes and meetings will be virtual. Final presentations will be in person.

Funding from Bentonville-based Walton Family Foundation is backing the Northwest Arkansas accelerator. Organizers received 45 applications — 23 for the English program and 22 for the Spanish program.

“These 17 entrepreneurs each have something special and unique,” said Rodrigo Salas, the executive director of the Northwest Arkansas accelerator program. “In selecting this class, our volunteers looked at the clarity of their business idea, their willingness to bring it to life and their coachability. I can’t wait to see how we can help these entrepreneurs on their journey and to welcome them to our EforAll family.”

Salas said the businesses reflect the region’s personality — diverse, youthful, inclusive, creative and ambitious.

Salas said EsparaTodos, EforAll’s Spanish-speaking cohort led by program manager Ana Ortiz, is the state’s first Spanish-speaking accelerator cohort.

Salas said EforAll is also the first accelerator program in Arkansas to promote economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship.

Applications are open for the one-year summer 2022 program, which begins in July. There’s more information at eforall.org. Follow @EforAllNorthwestAR on social media for additional details throughout the year.