Highstep | A Bounds Accelerator Program

A Bounds Accelerator Program

CEOs & Mentors

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Disrupting Retail:

AI-Enabled Professional
Services for a
New Era

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Program Partners

What is the Highstep Program?

Highstep, a Bounds Accelerator program, is an Arkansas based, innovative 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. We're seeking ambitious thought leaders who are ready to merge their experience and knowledge with cutting-edge technology to transform retail.

By Founders, For Founders.

Is Highstep For You?

We are seeking a cohort of 10 new founders who want to take a leap of faith on their knowledge and experience to build a new professional services business tied to retail in Arkansas.

Do you have a compelling professional services business that meets the evolving needs of retail?

Are you experienced and anxious to activate your retail knowledge in innovative ways?

Do you have a strong network of potential customers or the ability to sell your services easily?

Are you resourceful, resilient, ambitious and willing to push yourself?

Are you based in Arkansas or willing to relocate by June 2025?

Professional Services: Highstep Areas of Interest:

CPG / Merchant Marketing & Representation, Retail Media Networks, Omni-commerce Optimization, Retail Data Analytics & Customer Insights, Staff Training & Development, Cost Recovery, Loss Prevention, Product Development, Retail

Space is limited, applications
due February 16

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About the Program

Highstep, a Bounds Accelerator program, is accepting applications from new founders solving retail problems with unique professional services and leveraging Highstep’s in-house AI expertise.

The Highstep Program will take place from late-March to early-September 2025. The application deadline is February 16th. The core programming is 5 months long, with 16 workshops. Only 10 applications will be accepted, and up to 5 of the accepted applicants will receive $100,000 in private funding to support their growth.

Weekly cohort programming is in-person in Bentonville, Arkansas.

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Applications due February 16

Interviews

February 17-March 4

Cohort Finalized

Cohort will be announced March 7

In-Person Cohort Kick Off

April 2, 2025 (Bentonville, AR)

In-Person Demo Day

September 2025 (Bentonville, AR)

Why Apply to Highstep?

First-of-its-Kind Accelerator

Professional services businesses typically have an incredibly challenging time finding funding and support. We're changing that by introducing an accelerator model previously reserved for SaaS, right here in Arkansas.

By Founders, For Founders

Gain invaluable insights from a close-knit community of over a dozen Founders and CEOs who have successfully navigated the challenges of building a professional services business. Their guidance will help you steer clear of common pitfalls and significantly increase your chances of success.

Funding to Propel Your Business Forward

For 5 of the 10 companies, a substantial investment of $100,000 will be made. This capital infusion is designed to specifically accelerate your growth, enabling you to scale services, reach new markets, and achieve your ambitious goals.

Bringing AI into Services

Generative AI is poised to reshape the professional services landscape, and Highstep can lead the charge. We're equipping every new professional services business in Highstep with the AI expertise to not just survive, but thrive in this new era.

Exposure and Validation

Our team and network will provide warm introductions to new potential customers, including enterprises. You’ll be given the opportunity to interview companies within Arkansas (NWA) as part of our market-validation track and mentorship.

Educational Resources

You’ll receive educational programming around hiring, compensation, onboarding, sales, deal negotiation, and marketing. The program includes access to valuable legal templates, sales pipeline management, and other resources to help you build your business.

A Retail-Powered Region

Bounds Accelerator is based out of Northwest Arkansas (NWA), known as the Silicon Valley of Supply Chain Innovation, where it brings together Fortune 500 enterprises, technology startups, entrepreneurial support organizations, over 1,400 CPG supplier offices, and private sector capital partners to drive real-world innovation.

NWA is a prominent retail value chain nexus with subject matter experts, global companies, and abundant resources in retail, transportation, logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain management, generating over half a trillion in annual cumulative revenue. This region hosts the global headquarters of Walmart, JB Hunt Transport, and Tyson Foods, all recognized as Fortune's Most Admired Companies, a global list of companies with the strongest reputations. NWA's global supply chain reach, combined with emerging tech capabilities, lays the foundation for the emergence of the next generation of industry leaders and billion-dollar retail value chain-focused companies.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you define the Retail Value Chain?

The Retail Value Chain is anything from manufacturing, transportation and logistics, supply chain, and retail. The problem your company solves should exist within the Retail Value Chain, but your starting point does not need to be in the Retail Value Chain. (Do you have an active or potential use case that touches the retail value chain?)

After I apply, what are the next steps?

We encourage you to submit your application as soon as you’re ready to apply. We read applications on a rolling basis, and applications that are submitted early may be selected for an early interview. If your application is promising, we will invite you to interview with us. Most interviews will be held by video conference from late February to early March.

What does my time commitment for Highstep look like?

For 5 months, you’ll have weekly cohort meetings and workshops with optional office hours to connect with relevant Founder / CEO mentors. Each of these activities will be in-person; however, some sessions or meetings will be completed virtually.

What value will I receive by participating in Highstep?

Free office space, a $1750 office equipment stipend, networking opportunities, mentorship, educational resources, exposure and validation, and potential for direct investment to grow your new professional services business.

How does the investment work if my business is selected?

A direct investment of $100,000 in a Highstep business is made in exchange for a 7% interest in your business, and includes additional support post-Highstep programming.

Highstep brings together world-class partners: