by Arkansas Money & Politics
The Ozark Retail Accelerator, which focuses on helping companies strengthen their product offerings for placement in large retail chains, has launched its inaugural cohort with 12 diverse companies from across Arkansas.
The accelerator, overseen by Act-II Capital Holdings and powered by the University of Arkansas, Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce, was conceived to help companies within the consumer-packaged goods industry is designed to help companies strengthen their product offerings, prepare for placement in large retail chains and build sustainable, scalable businesses.
The cohort includes startups touching multiple industries within the retail spectrum, including food and beverage, personal care, home and garden and pet care.
The 12-week hybrid program launched March 31 and combines digital programming with in-person events at the beginning and end of the cohort. Participants will gain access to retail operators, former buyers and category leaders who have built, scaled and launched supplier brands within some of the world’s largest omnichannel retailers.
The program’s core facilitation team includes former merchants and suppliers with more than 150 years of combined large-scale retail experience.
Act-II Capital Holdings was awarded funding by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to develop and operate the accelerator. The firm is partnering with the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Bentonville Area Chamber of Commerce and Benedict Enterprises to ensure the program delivers value to every company.
The inaugural cohort:
Barham’s Ozark Beef, Conway
Founder: John Edwin “Ed” Linck Jr.
Beef Snob Snack Sticks are premium, ready-to-eat beef snack sticks crafted for consumers who care about where their food comes from and how it’s made. Beef Snob Snack Sticks are made from all-natural, pasture-raised beef with no added hormones, no fillers and no artificial coloring.
Carbon Chicken, Fayetteville
Founder: Richard Ims
Carbon Chicken Project has created a complete, three-part system to not just feed your plants, but to build a thriving, resilient and carbon-negative ecosystem right in your backyard.
femPAQ Inc., Fayetteville
Founder: April Roy
femPAQ develops ready-to-use period-preparedness kits that deliver essential menstrual care in a discreet, portable solution. Designed for unexpected moments at school, work, travel, athletics or daily life, femPAQ products ensure users have immediate access to what they need without disruption or embarrassment.
Hillfolk, Bentonville
Founder: Beatrice Apple
Hillfolk manages a dual-channel product portfolio that spans artisanal small-batch goods and mass-market craft innovations. Its flagship brick-and-mortar presence in downtown Bentonville serves as a curated incubator for high-quality home goods and heritage crafts.
Mom’s Kitchen B&B LLC, Bentonville
Founder: Daniel Schroeder
Peanut Pupper is a delicious, all-natural, CBD-infused peanut butter for dogs who need help calming down or getting around. Dogs don’t just love the product; their humans do too, because it works.
Muckender, Bentonville
Founder: Joshua Stanley
Muckender is the first dual-action cleaning towel built for the way hardworking people actually live. Muckender Towels are heavy-duty enough to cut through job-site grime (grease, caulk, wet paint, dust), yet safe enough to wipe your hands and your face.
Natural State Beverage Company, Rogers
Founder: Ty Cloud
Made with real ingredients and reduced sugar, Modern Soda is a functional-inspired soda made for people who want more intention in what they drink without giving up flavor or familiarity. It sits between traditional soda and nonalcoholic options by pairing classic soda flavors with thoughtfully sourced mushroom extracts.
New Creations Manufacturer LLC, Newport
Founder: Dwight Davis
Hitch Step is a patented, heavy-duty receiver-mounted step designed to improve safety, accessibility and ease of use for trucks, trailers and work vehicles. Built with durability and real-world utility in mind, Hitch Step provides a stable, secure platform for accessing truck beds, toolboxes and trailer components — without sacrificing towing capability.