Sept. 29 is deadline to apply for Builders + Backers accelerator

Arkansas residents can apply for the Builders + Backers Idea Accelerator through Sept. 29, according to a news release. The program offers up to $5,000 to turn ideas into businesses or ventures.

Residents with the most promising and innovative ideas will be selected to participate in the 90-day virtual program starting on Nov. 7. Applicants are not required to submit a business plan or have a pitch deck for their idea.

The Idea Accelerator is open to residents of three states, including Arkansas, and to U.S. military veterans and their spouses, regardless of residence. It’s also open to Detroit residents and members of the Eastern Shawnee Tribal Nation. Following is the online application link: apply.buildersandbackers.com/fall2024.

Heartland Forward, a Bentonville-based think-and-do tank, is one of many program supporters.

“Entrepreneurship is key to helping communities thrive and grow economically,” said Ross DeVol, president and CEO of Heartland Forward. “We’re excited to expand the program statewide across Arkansas, the headquarters of Heartland Forward. We believe the next cohort of builders have the power and forward-looking mindset to better their communities, and we can’t wait to see the progress they make throughout 2024 and beyond.”

Since 2021, the Idea Accelerator has helped and funded more than 700 entrepreneurs nationwide.

“This new funding builds on the work that started and continues strong with our partners in the Walton Family Foundation as we strive to open a truly accessible, universal onramp to entrepreneurs and idea-stage funding to anyone in the state of Arkansas,” said Donna Harris, CEO of Builders + Backers. “Together with our partners and funders, we can break down barriers to entrepreneurship and enable anyone to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.”