CONNECTNWACONNECT. BELONG. GROW.ConnectNWA helps Northwest Arkansas professionals, founders and community builders create meaningful relationships and new opportunities. Discover the membership that fits your goals.
Explore membershipWhether you're growing a business, advancing your career or getting involved in Northwest Arkansas, there's a place for you here. Our open community remains accessible to job seekers, students, employers, mentors and local organizations.
Get connected and explore the region.
Best for newcomers and emerging leaders.
Join freeDevelop your network with intention.
Best for professionals, entrepreneurs and community builders.
Request membershipApplication-based leadership network. Initial cohort: up to 15 members.
Best for founders, investors, executives and owners.
Apply for Catalyst CircleIntroduction requests are reviewed for relevance and mutual interest; specific introductions and business outcomes are not guaranteed. Dates and available experiences are communicated during onboarding. Annual paid enrollment begins only after checkout and program fulfillment are activated.
| Benefit | Community Free | Professional $299 / year | Catalyst Circle $2,500 / year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newsletter and Market Pulse | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Public event listings | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free business directory listing request | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Opt-in member directory (planned) | — | ✓ On activation | ✓ On activation |
| Member-only socials | — | ✓ As scheduled | ✓ As scheduled |
| Curated introduction requests | ✓ Apply | ✓ Quarterly | ✓ Monthly |
| Member spotlight consideration | — | ✓ Eligible | ✓ Priority consideration |
| Executive roundtables | — | — | ✓ As scheduled |
| Leadership dinners | — | — | ✓ By invitation |
| Strategy sessions with Joanna | — | — | ✓ Quarterly |
✓ indicates a tier benefit; — indicates it is not included in that tier. Business listing requests are free and subject to review. The planned opt-in member directory is separate from the public business directory. Public event listings do not include admission; organizers may charge separately. Paid member experiences begin after enrollment and program activation, with availability and schedules confirmed during onboarding. Introduction requests and spotlight eligibility do not guarantee a match or publication; leadership dinners require an invitation.
Most networking organizations focus on attendance. We focus on intentional introductions, genuine conversations and long-term relationships. Our broader platform also supports talent, mentoring and community opportunities across Northwest Arkansas.
Choose your membership and share your contact details. Community membership is free. Professional members continue to secure checkout when available; Catalyst Circle is reviewed by application.
Read the privacy policy. Paid membership terms, activation dates and cancellation/refund conditions will be provided before purchase.
No. Members elsewhere are welcome when actively engaged in the region.
No. We review requests and facilitate introductions when there's a suitable match and mutual consent.
Yes, subject to availability and the applicable membership terms.
No. Our community also connects job seekers, employers, mentors, students and organizations with opportunities.
Submit an interest request; we'll confirm enrollment, benefit availability, billing and renewal terms before collecting payment.
Explore sponsor partnerships from $5,000 annually, as well as event-level opportunities.
Explore sponsorshipWhen checkout is active, Professional membership costs $299 USD for a 12-month term. It is one payment with no automatic renewal. Before the term ends, you can choose whether to renew.
Stripe handles checkout and card details. ConnectNWA receives payment confirmation and your contact information to arrange onboarding. A return to this website does not by itself confirm a successful payment. Use the same email address for your profile and checkout.
Contact joanna.bunten@gmail.com for billing questions, onboarding, cancellation or a refund request. Specific introductions, clients, hires and other business outcomes are not guaranteed. Event schedules and directory availability are communicated during onboarding.
Catalyst Circle remains application-based. Submit your interest and wait for approval and payment instructions. Sponsorships require an agreed proposal before payment.