The Bentonville Beacon Bentonville Economic Development | Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

Summary
In this special three-part series of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell meets with cohort members of this year’s Fuel for Your Health Accelerator. James kicks off the episode with Fuel’s Director, Darian Harris, who shares how this accelerator matches scalable health tech startups with key enterprise partners to expedite the adoption of their transformative medical technologies. Different from other programs, during each Fuel accelerator, high-growth startups from around the world benefit from programming and support focused on developing operational value and selling to large customers, rather than just venture capital coaching.

This episode highlights several of Fuel’s current cohort members and innovators, including Tyler Zanon, CEO of EndoShunt Medical; Beth Gall, Vice President of Sales with Rainfall Health; and Andy Olson, Co-Founder and CEO at Inherent Biosciences.

Chicago, Illinois-based EndoShunt Medical offers an innovative medical device used for targeted hemorrhage control in emergency situations. With a vision of ending preventable abdominal hemorrhage death and improving patient outcomes, EndoShunt’s goal is to give trauma surgeons the gift of time so they can give trauma patients the gift of life. The device is a novel endovascular delivery system that allows surgeons to place a temporary length adjustable shunt within the major abdominal vessels, effectively controlling hemorrhaging from an injury while maintaining blood flow to the rest of the body.

Berkley, California-based Rainfall Health was established to help bridge the gap in providing access to quality healthcare in medical deserts by breaking down barriers to healthcare and ensuring patients receive the comprehensive care they deserve. Rainfall Health is a partner to health systems, healthcare plans and government organizations, where its platform enables streamlined clinical care, in-depth health analysis, patient care coordination and rural care with the help of artificial intelligence (AI). For patients, it provides quick scheduling, easy discovery of in-network providers plus immediate access to provider ratings.

Salt Lake City, Utah-based Inherent Biosciences is a team of molecular biologists, data scientists, healthcare providers and entrepreneurs at the intersection of epigenetics and AI. They are working together to create new clinical solutions to address complex healthcare concerns. Through the use of its platform, Inherent Biosciences detects dysregulation across multiple genes and related pathways to pioneer a new category of diagnostics and therapeutics, radically transforming how healthcare providers diagnose and treat complex diseases like infertility. 

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:54) Introduction to Darian Harris
(2:19) About the Fuel Accelerator
(4:31) How Fuel Partners with Other Organizations
(5:25) Darian’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(8:29) Introduction to Tyler Zanon
(9:17) About EndoShunt Medical
(11:12) How Fuel and Bentonville Has Helped Tyler
(13:08) Tyler’s past Experiences in Bentonville
(16:17) Tyler’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(17:29) Introduction to Beth Gall
(18:46) About Rainfall Health
(20:18) How Fuel and Bentonville Has Helped Beth
(21:49) Beth’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(23:10) Introduction to Andy Olson
(24:17) About Inherent Biosciences
(29:13) How Fuel and Bentonville Has Helped Andy
(33:44) Andy’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(37:14) Closing Thoughts
 
‍Links
Darian Harris, MBA (darian@startupjunkie.org)
Fuel for Your Health Accelerator
Tyler Zanon, MPH (tyler@endoshunt.com)
EndoShunt Medical
Beth Gall
Rainfall Health
Andy Olson, MBA
Inherent Biosciences
Path Fertility
James Bell, MBA 
Bentonville Economic Development
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

Summary
In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Dana Schlagenhaft, Executive Director of Downtown Bentonville Incorporated (DBI), a private, not-for-profit organization uniquely positioned as a driving force to build and promote a welcoming, secure and lively downtown Bentonville. Established over two decades ago, DBI has played a key role in revitalizing the city and making it a place that people are eager to visit, discover and share with others.

Downtown Bentonville Inc. works to activate downtown spaces through expertly executed events, advocating for current and future downtown businesses and amplifying the voices of all Bentonville residents. Events include the Bentonville Farmers Market and Virtual Farmers Market, First Friday, the Art Market, the City of Bentonville’s Lighting of the Square, the Bentonville Christmas Parade, Market at Record, New Year’s Eve celebrations, Bentonville Toyland, Shop the Block, and Downtown Bentonville Art and Culinary Week. Additionally, DBI hosts a live show Sundays on KFSM Sundays called DWTN Now where Dana and her co-host, Aaron Nolan, highlight the unique stories of Downtown Bentonville.

During the episode, Dana shares her fascinating journey and her role in bringing to life the festive community events. She also expands on Downtown Bentonville Incorporated’s mission, the unique spirit of the Greater Bentonville Area community and her thoughts on Bentonville’s vibrant future.

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:53) Introduction to Dana Schlagenhaft
(3:03) About Downtown Bentonville Incorporated and Its Mission
(4:20) Exploring DBI’s Events
(6:09) Telling Unique Stories through DWTN Now
(7:43) Supporting Small Businesses Downtown
(9:10) How DBI Partners with Local Organizations
(10:57) Dana’s Vision for the Future
(13:20) Dana’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(14:45) What’s Upcoming for DBI
(16:45) Advice for Getting Involved in Downtown
(18:25) How to Help Further DBI’s Mission
(20:02) Closing Question
 
‍Links
Dana Schlagenhaft (dana@downtownbentonville.org)
Downtown Bentonville Incorporated
James Bell 
Bentonville Economic Development
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce

Summary
In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Canem Arkan and Quinn Roberston from Endeavor, where Canem serves as Managing Director for Endeavor Heartland and Quinn is Director of the 412 Angels Program. Endeavor is the leading, global community of, by, and for high-impact entrepreneurs. It is on a mission to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging and underserved markets around the world. With the belief that high-impact entrepreneurs transform economies, Endeavor creates a multiplier effect by inspiring high-growth founders to dream bigger, scale faster and pay it forward, effectively compounding their individual impact.

Endeavor was established with the idea that entrepreneurship can thrive anywhere if given the right resources to grow, resulting in its global footprint spanning over 900 companies in more than 42 growth markets across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, the United States and Canada. Endeavor’s portfolio companies have created more than 4 million jobs and generated over 24 billion dollars in revenue. In 2024, Endeavor Heartland took responsibility for 412 Angels, an investor network and program created to educate and grow the level of angel investing in the super region along the U.S. Highway 412 corridor from Tulsa, Oklahoma, through Northwest Arkansas.

Throughout this episode, Canem and Quinn expand on Endeavor’s approach to supporting scale-stage entrepreneurs and startups, and they share their views on how Bentonville and Northwest Arkansas’s thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem has evolved. They also discuss 412 Angels’ investment thesis and how they are increasing the number of local angel investors through the platform.

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:52) Introduction to Canem Arkan and Quinn Robertson
(4:55) Endeavor Heartland’s Mission and Presence in Bentonville
(8:14) About 412 Angels
(11:33) 412 Angels Investment Thesis
(15:28) Why to Consider Angel Investing
(19:45) How Bentonville’s Startup and Capital Funding Landscape Has Evolved
(26:05) Canem and Quinn’s #BecauseBentonville Stories
(28:29) Partnerships with Other Entrepreneurial Support Organizations
(32:33) About The Multiplier Effect Podcast
(40:34) Closing Question
 
‍Links
James Bell 
Bentonville Economic Development
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Canem Arkan (canem.arkan@endeavor.org)
Quinn Robertson (quinn.robertson@endeavor.org)
Endeavor
Endeavor Heartland

Summary
In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Mayor Bill Edwards of the City of Centerton, a community focused on a wholesome lifestyle, cultural history, environmental preservation and nurturing local business growth. Since the 2020 U.S. Census, Centerton’s population has grown more than thirty-five percent, vaulting it to the twentieth largest city in Arkansas.

Centerton’s population has grown from 9,500 to nearly 25,000 residents during Mayor Edwards’ pivotal fourteen years at the helm. During that time, Mayor Edwards has prioritized adding amenities that strengthen quality of life. Among these amenities are outdoor recreation opportunities including parks, pavilions, splash pads, a sports facility and walking trails–and now, a community center.

During the episode, Mayor Edwards describes his journey of transitioning from a career at J.B. Hunt to his first foray into politics as on the Centerton City Council to Centerton’s top leadership role–and he shares insights into how the city is evolving by blending progress with preservation. You’ll also hear what exciting initiatives are underway, like the new Community Center, and how the City of Centerton collaborates with the surrounding Greater Bentonville Area and Northwest Arkansas region as a whole.

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:52) Introduction to Mayor Bill Edwards
(2:45) Mayor Edwards’ Journey to Becoming Mayor
(3:59) The Growth and Development of Centerton
(5:28) Accomplishments of Centerton’s City Departments
(6:38) Sustaining Quality of Life While Expanding
(8:41) Centerton’s Collaboration with the Greater Bentonville Area and NWA
(9:52) Business Opportunities in Centerton
(10:49) Mayor Edwards’ #BecauseCenterton Story
(11:55) Centerton’s Future Community Center and Initiatives
(14:27) Closing Questions
 
‍Links
James Bell 
Bentonville Economic Development
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Mayor Bill Edwards on Facebook
Mayor Bill Edwards - Contact Information
City of Centerton

Summary
In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell is joined by Jessica Pearson, Manager of the Bentonville Moves Coalition, a vibrant alliance of more than five hundred community organizations, local businesses, schools, institutions, civic leaders and engaged residents working together to make the Greater Bentonville Area the safest and most connected city in the Heartland by 2027. With a commitment to creating a mobility network that is equitable to all users, the Bentonville Moves Coalition supports increased transportation choices for Bentonville’s bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, plus policies and initiatives that improve prosperity, health and quality of life.

As a visionary leader, Jessica previously oversaw the development of twenty-five miles of natural surface trails in Springfield, Missouri. She now leads the Bentonville Moves Coalition to keep the Greater Bentonville Area community informed about projects headed by Trailblazers and the City of Bentonville.

Throughout the episode, Jessica expands on how the Bentonville Moves Coalition’s is bringing their vision to life, emphasizing tactical urbanism, protected routes, and clear road rules to further bolster Bentonville's amazing quality of life. Additionally, Jessica highlights how upcoming projects, active committees, and a mini-grant program are accelerating Bentonville's transportation and mobility innovations

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:52) Introduction to Jessica Pearson
(5:53) About the Bentonville Moves Coalition
(9:50) Highlighting Coalition Members
(14:38) Bentonville Moves Coalition Committees
(19:47) The Coalition’s Mini Grant Program
(23:38) Bicycle Friendly Neighborhoods Designation
(27:30) Jessica’s #BecauseBentonville Story
(30:35) Upcoming Bentonville Moves Coalition Projects
(36:20) Closing Question
 
‍Links
James Bell 
Bentonville Economic Development
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Jessica Pearson (jessica@bentonvillemoves.org)
Bentonville Moves Coalition

Summary
In this episode of The Bentonville Beacon, host James Bell sits down with Ravi Dadi, Co-Founder of Beach BBQ, which has proven to be a vibrant addition to Bentonville's culinary scene and is known for its fresh, innovative approach to barbecue. With a rich background in his prior role in information technology at Walmart, Ravi brings a unique blend of corporate savvy and entrepreneurial spirit to the table, where he and his team are transforming the traditional BBQ experience with flavors that surprise and delight. Throughout the episode, Ravi shares how Beach BBQ’s carefully crafted menu amplifies the customer experience and how the Greater Bentonville Area has bolstered Beach BBQ by enthusiastically welcoming the restaurant to its award-winning culinary landscape.

Thanks for tuning in!

Show Notes
Timestamps in this blog are for the audio-only version of the podcast; video timing differs.
(0:51) Introduction to Ravi Dadi
(3:38) Transitioning from the Corporate Information Technology to the Restaurant Industry
(5:29) Creating the Beach BBQ Experience
(6:56) About Beach BBQ’s Ambience and Menu
(9:53) Bentonville’s Impact on the Development of Beach BBQ
(12:22) How the Community Has Helped Grow Beach BBQ
(14:30) The Future Vision for Beach BBQ
(17:19) Advice to Individuals Switching Industries
(22:23) Closing Question

‍Links
James Bell 
Bentonville Economic Development
Greater Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Ravi Dadi
Beach BBQ

Quotes
“We have to make sure, no matter whether it’s vegetarian or nonvegetarian, we have to create the same ambience for the customer when somebody walks into Beach BBQ. Because they should not be worried that they’re vegan and won’t be getting any options. We want to make sure that even the vegetarians that come will be getting better options than the nonvegetarians.” - Ravi Dadi, (9:34)

“[Bentonville’s] a great community to do business in Northwest Arkansas because we have seen the customers coming and they are appreciating the local businesses and they are passing the message to their friends and families.” - Ravi Dadi, (10:09)

“Greater Bentonville is helping us a lot. Also, Ledger…we have gotten a lot of customers from there…and even the biking community. We have been invited to do the catering for biking when big events happen. Even the school.” - Ravi Dadi, (12:33)

“Northwest Arkansas is one of the best places. If I had to go back and say wherever I want to do business, I would say Northwest Arkansas should be the first place to do business. The way the community is helping the newcomers and getting [Beach BBQ] connected…that’s one of the best parts of Northwest Arkansas. I don’t think we can see this in the bigger towns” - Ravi Dadi, (13:10)