NORTHWEST ARKANSAS • POWERED BY A GRANT FROM THE WALTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

Your next milestone starts here.

Milestone Circles is a free, 12-week program that pairs Northwest Arkansas founders with a peer cohort and expert mentors to hit a critical growth milestone — paired with Startup Intern Match, a paid student internship pipeline that keeps the momentum going.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS
•••
POWERED BY A GRANT FROM THE WALTON FAMILY FOUNDATION

Your next milestone starts here.

Milestone Circles is a free, 12-week program that pairs Northwest Arkansas founders with a peer cohort and expert mentors to hit a critical growth milestone — paired with Startup Intern Match, a paid student internship pipeline that keeps the momentum going.

WHY NORTHWEST ARKANSAS?

Built for founders, built with the region

Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing places to build a company in America — and growth happens faster when founders have a community of peers, a place to test ideas, and a framework for turning vision into action. That’s what Milestone Circles is built for.

We’re excited to learn from the region as we expand the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center’s national network, founder curriculum, and support to Northwest Arkansas, alongside local partners who are truly moving the region forward. More founders supported. More students launched into startup careers. A stronger regional ecosystem for everyone building here.

FOUNDER ACCELERATION

Milestone Circles

A free, 12-week program for Northwest Arkansas founders. Through milestone-focused learning, one-on-one coaching, and a peer cohort built on accountability and shared experience, you’ll clarify your next growth goal, accelerate your company’s growth velocity, and strengthen your strategic leadership. Afterward, you’re matched with a student intern through Startup Intern Match in partnership with the University of Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas Community Colleges to keep the work moving.

STUDENT PIPELINE

Startup Intern Match

Paid internships placing Northwest Arkansas Community College and University of Arkansas students with the founders in each cohort.

Milestones: an important goal you’ve set for your business that takes time, tenacity, and more than a little creative thinking to attain.

Milestone Circles is powered by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

HOW IT WORKS

Two tracks, one program

For founders

  • Your Content Goes Here
  • A 12-week cohort with a small peer group of local founders
  • Milestone strategy, expert mentorship, and curated learning resources
  • A matched student intern for real projects in your business
  • A clearer growth plan and measurable progress
  • No cost to participate

For students

  • A paid internship with a real Northwest Arkansas startup
  • Hands-on experience solving real business problems
  • Mentorship from founders and program staff
  • A credential and a professional network
  • Open only to current NWACC and University of Arkansas students

ELIGIBILITY

Who should apply?

Founders

  • Based in or operating in Northwest Arkansas
  • Past the idea stage, with active operations or early revenue
  • Up to 5 years into building your business
  • Able to commit to a session every two weeks across the program
  • Ready to host and guide a student intern

Students

  • Enrolled at Northwest Arkansas Community College or the University of Arkansas
  • Interested in paid, hands-on startup experience
  • Available for placement starting January 2027
  • Full eligibility set by each school

HOW TO APPLY

Built for founders and students

Founders

  • 1

    Apply online anytime.

  • 2
    Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
  • 3
    Have a short conversation to confirm fit.
  • 4
    Onboard and start the 12-week cohort.

Because of our on-site education and mentoring arrangement, this program is only available to applicants located in the NW Arkansas region. 

Our LOCAL FACILITATION is MATT WALLER, Former Dean, Sam M. Walton College of Business, University of Arkansas

Students

Apply through your school. University of Arkansas students apply via the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Northwest Arkansas Community College students apply via the Business and CIS division. Placements begin January 2027.

WHO’S BEHIND IT?

Made possible by our funders

Milestone Circles is a free program for entrepreneurs nationwide, made possible by the generous support of the Wells Fargo Foundation, which is committed to helping entrepreneurs invest in the success and sustainability of their small businesses. Here in Northwest Arkansas, the program is also powered by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation, part of its long-term commitment to a thriving Northwest Arkansas.

FUNDER

The Walton Family Foundation funds Milestone Circles in Northwest Arkansas through a two-year grant, part of its long-term commitment to a thriving region.

PROGRAM

The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center designs and delivers the program, bringing its national network, founder curriculum, and local talent pipeline to the region.

UNIVERSITY PARTNER

UNIVERSITY PARTNER

GET INVOLVED

Mentor or partner with us

Become a Mentor

Coach Northwest Arkansas founders through real growth challenges. Share your experience in focused sessions across a cohort.

Partner with us

Support a cohort, open your network, or help the region’s founders scale. We’ll work with you to find the right fit.

FAQ

Common Questions

Is Milestone Circles really free?

Yes. Milestone Circles is free for every founder thanks to the generous support of our program funders.

Where does Milestone Circles meet?

In person in Northwest Arkansas, across the 12-week program.

How much time does Milestone Circles take?

Plan on a session every two weeks, plus the work in between, across the 12-week program.

Are students paid?

Yes. Startup Intern Match places students in paid internships with cohort companies.

What does hosting an intern involve?

Founders provide real projects and light day-to-day guidance. The program supports the match and onboarding.

Who can apply to Milestone Circles?

Founders based in or operating in Northwest Arkansas, and students enrolled at NWACC or the University of Arkansas.

Lets reach and celebrate your next milestone

Apply as a founder or a student, or join as a mentor or partner.

Powered by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation. Learn more at waltonfamilyfoundation.org.