The Shift: Info hub for entrepreneurs launches

Northwest Arkansas entrepreneurs have a new lifeline to help them connect with investors and each other.

State of play: StartupNWA Hub is an AI-enabled search engine focused on NWA's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

• It's a collaboration between the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI) and the Northwest Arkansas Council.

The big picture: Anyone starting a new business or looking to grow an existing business can sign up for a free account.

• Users can keep tabs on events for networking, accelerators seeking applications and workshops offered by OEI to sharpen their pitch skills.

Between the lines: Keeping up with events held by 412 Angels , when the next MidConn VC Summit is or how to apply for the next Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program cohort can be daunting.

• The idea is to build a database for entrepreneurs and create a "one-stop shop" Esperanza Massana-Crane, director of small business and entrepreneurship development for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, told me.
• She was in Fayetteville for the University of Arkansas economic impact announcement.

What we're watching: A statewide interface using the same pool of information is in the works and should launch late this month, Massana-Crane said.

What's next: A virtual training session for potential Hub users will be held September 18 at 11am. Register .

🤖 The Shift is a regular feature to catch up quick on what's happening in Arkansas' economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.