Highstep, a Bounds Accelerator Program

Three Tech Accelerator Programs kicking off in one night in Bentonville! Join us on April 2nd at the Ledger as we launch programs shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Arkansas! Meet the Programs: ?? Highstep, a Bounds Accelerator Program– Empowering Arkansas founders launching the next generation of professional services firms in the retail space with AI-enabled support ?? ScaleUp by Endeavor Heartland – Providing Heartland-based founders?across a variety of industries, including agtech and manufacturing, access to mentorship, strategic connections, and the critical, tailored resources needed to grow ?? Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator – Supporting startups building innovative cycling components and tech-enabled cycling solutions to access U.S. networks, market insights, and Bentonville's industry leaders Hear from program leaders like Robert Burns (Walton Family Foundation), Clint O'Neal, CEcD (AEDC), Michael Paladino (Highstep), Canem Arkan (Endeavor NWA), and Martial TRIGEAUD (Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator). Connect with participating founders and industry leaders. Celebrate the thriving NWA entrepreneurial ecosystem over drinks and light bites! Learn More & Register: https://lu.ma/is9eonme Arkansas Economic Development Commission | Walton Family Foundation | U.S. Small Business Administration | Jeff Amerine, PMP | Caleb Talley | Shawn Morris | Zoe Maddox, Ph.D. | Josh Stanley

If you're an aspiring entrepreneur considering applying, get those applications submitted! The window closes this Sunday night.

Just released: My conversation with Michael Paladino on The Matt Waller Podcast about Highstep, a Bounds Accelerator Program, launching in Arkansas. Highstep is set to transform retail professional services by combining Arkansas's retail/CPG/SCM expertise with AI capabilities. The program will select 10 founders to build innovative service businesses, with up to 5 receiving $100K in funding. Michael shares how Highstep will empower Arkansas entrepreneurs to create scalable services firms serving the retail value chain. We discuss the unique opportunity at the intersection of professional services and AI, and why Arkansas is the perfect launching pad for these ventures. Applications are open until February 16th. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gMy39zNb #RetailInnovation #Arkansas #Entrepreneurship #AI #ProfessionalServices #StartupAccelerator

Tomer Diari is nailing exactly why we created Highstep. Now is the time to build the professional services of tomorrow. ?? #professionalservices #arkansas

Do you have the ???????????????????? and ???????????????????? to do what others ??????’?? or ??????'?? do? Do you ???????? ???????????? today who need that done? Can those people ?????? you for it? And the real question: are you ?????????????????? ???????????? ???? ?????? them to? -- If you answered yes to all of those questions, we would love to talk to you.

Highstep is an Arkansas based early-stage accelerator designed to help new Arkansas founders launch the next generation of professional services firms in the retail space with AI-enabled support. Learn more about what to expect in the accelerator and what we are looking for from our managing director, Michael Paladino. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/grC94D5N.?

We're excited to announce the launch of Highstep, a Bounds Accelerator Program designed to empower early-stage, tech-enabled, professional services founders in Arkansas. Highstep program offers founders: * Five (5) free months of office space in Bentonville, AR * A $1,750 technology stipend (laptop, peripherals, etc)? * A free marketing website for their new business * Entity formation and legal cost coverage * Free legal templates (SOWs, MSAs, etc) * Free accounting and business administration software? * Sales Operations support for 5 months * Sixteen (16) Educational workshops for new founders * Direct support from a full stack, GenAI engineer (this is big!) * Access to an opportunity to receive a $100,000 investment Best of all, the day-to-day operations of this program will include direct support from Michael Paladino, along with mentorship from 15 other tech-enabled, professional services CEOs and Founders. This is a first of its kind program, built to help you get off the side-lines to start a new company here in Arkansas. See the website link in the comments for more details and to apply today!

By 2027, according to IDC,?worldwide spending on artificial intelligence?capabilities is projected to exceed $423 billion, with professional services and three other industries expected to be most aggressive, accounting for 60% of global IT spending on AI. Link to the source in the comments.

Did you know? Of the last 45 acquisitions of Arkansas professional services companies, 34% of those acquisitions were over $50M dollars. ?? Highstep Thoughts: We see the consolidation of professional services businesses in Arkansas over the last 5 years as an opportunity -- especially if you serve the retail in some way (i.e the retail value chain). As larger firms have rolled up smaller firms in the retail and supply chain sectors to get access to the dollars that flow through Walmart, Sam's Club, J.B. Hunt, Tyson Foods, Simmons Foods, ArcBest, and others... the opportunity for new, more efficient and effective service offerings to enter the market open up.