The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

Arvest Bank, founded in 1961 and headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas, operates over 250 branches across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas. The bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including loans, deposits, treasury management, credit cards, mortgage loans, and mortgage servicing. Additionally, it provides asset management and trust services through Arvest Trust Company, which focuses on managing client portfolios in public equity and fixed income markets. Arvest Bank is committed to serving more than 120 communities with extended banking hours at many locations and is recognized for its customer service, having been named one of America's Best Large Employers by Forbes in 2017. The institution emphasizes local management with 16 locally managed markets, each supported by its own board and management team. As an Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC, Arvest Bank maintains a strong commitment to financial inclusivity and security.

Simmons Bank, established in 1903 and headquartered in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, serves as the holding company for Simmons First National Corporation. The bank offers a wide range of financial products and services aimed at individuals and businesses, including checking and savings accounts, consumer and commercial loans, and agricultural financing. Additionally, Simmons Bank provides trust and fiduciary services, credit cards, investment management, insurance products, and securities services. With approximately 226 financial centers across Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas, Simmons Bank is well-positioned to cater to various sectors such as manufacturing, retail, healthcare, and agriculture, among others.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) is a government organization based in Little Rock, Arkansas, focused on statewide economic development. Established in 1995, AEDC aims to create targeted strategies that foster economic opportunities, attract higher-paying jobs, and promote the expansion and diversification of local economies. Through its lending initiatives, the commission provides debt facilities that support investments, increase incomes, and drive positive growth across the state. The AEDC plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall economic landscape of Arkansas by facilitating the development of sustainable job opportunities and encouraging investment in the region.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992 and based in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments, primarily targeting small businesses at various stages of development, from early to later stages, excluding seed investments. Advantage Capital focuses on investing in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports state and local economic development initiatives. It seeks opportunities in sectors such as communication, information technology, telecommunications, business services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and energy, while also considering investments in rural agricultural businesses. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales of less than $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital also provides various forms of debt capital and prefers co-investing with other firms. The firm is committed to addressing the financing needs of underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities lacking traditional sources of risk capital.

The Stephens Group, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1933 and headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, with additional offices in Frankfurt, London, and New York. The firm specializes in mid venture investments, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth capital across a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, energy, software, healthcare, consumer products, and telecommunications. It targets both private and public companies, focusing primarily on those with strong management teams and growth potential. The Stephens Group typically invests between $10 million and $125 million, seeking to take either majority control or significant minority stakes while often securing a seat on the board of directors. The firm emphasizes investments in companies located primarily in the United States and Canada, particularly in the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest regions. Through its investment strategy, the firm aims to achieve high returns on invested capital by partnering with exceptional management teams in growing industries.

Cadron Capital Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in Conway, Arkansas, with an additional office in Fayetteville. The firm focuses on investing in technology startups and cash-flowing companies within Arkansas. Cadron Capital typically invests between $250,000 and $2 million in these ventures and also provides loans to businesses.

The Walton Family Foundation, established in 1987 and based in Bentonville, Arkansas, is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing opportunities and improving lives. Guided by the values of its founders, Sam and Helen Walton, the foundation aims to make a positive impact in communities through its philanthropic efforts. It focuses on three primary areas: children's development, elementary and secondary education, and the environment and natural resources. By collaborating with grantees and other philanthropic organizations, the foundation works to support deserving projects and initiatives that align with its mission of fostering growth and sustainability in communities.

NASA's vision is to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind. President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1958, partially in response to the Soviet Union's launch of the first artificial satellite the previous year. NASA grew out of the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), which had been researching flight technology for more than 40 years. President John F. Kennedy focused NASA and the nation on sending astronauts to the moon by the end of the 1960s. Through the Mercury and Gemini projects, NASA developed the technology and skills it needed for the journey. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first of 12 men to walk on the moon, meeting Kennedy's challenge. Meanwhile, NASA was continuing the aeronautics research pioneered by NACA. It also conducted purely scientific research and worked on developing applications for space technology, combining both pursuits in developing the first weather and communications satellites. After Apollo, NASA focused on creating a reusable ship to provide regular access to space: the space shuttle. First launched in 1981, the space shuttle flew more than 130 successful flights before retiring in 2011. In 2000, the United States and Russia established permanent human presence in space aboard the International Space Station, a multinational project representing the work of 16 nations. NASA also has continued its scientific research. In 1997, Mars Pathfinder became the first in a fleet of spacecraft that will explore Mars in the next decade, as we try to determine if life ever existed there. The Terra and Aqua satellites are flagships of a different fleet, this one in Earth orbit, designed to help us understand how our home world is changing. NASA's aeronautics teams are focused on improved aircraft travel that is safer and cleaner. Throughout its history, NASA has conducted or funded research that has led to numerous improvements to life here on Earth.

At Simmons First, putting the customer first has been our business since 1903. Simmons First National Corporation currently operates eight affiliate banks that conduct financial operations from 89 offices, located in 47 different communities in Arkansas, Missouri, and Kansas.

Circumference Group LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2009 and located in Little Rock, Arkansas. The firm focuses on investing in middle-market and later-stage companies, particularly within technology-enabled services, telecommunications, fintech, and marketing technology sectors. Circumference Group specializes in identifying public companies that generate substantial free cash flow but face challenges in meeting market growth expectations. The firm engages with management teams as knowledgeable peers, offering operational insights and patient capital. Additionally, Circumference Group provides advisory services and manages hedge funds, further expanding its investment capabilities in both public and private equity markets.

Atlantic Street Capital Management, LLC is a private equity firm founded in 2006 and based in Stamford, Connecticut, with an additional office in Florida. The firm focuses on investing in lower middle-market and mid-market companies primarily in the healthcare, consumer goods, life sciences, industrial, retail, and business services sectors across the United States and Canada. Atlantic Street Capital specializes in various investment strategies, including buyouts, recapitalizations, corporate carve-outs, restructurings, and bankruptcies, aiming to enhance the value of the companies in which it invests. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is dedicated to fostering growth and operational improvements in its portfolio companies.

Tyson Foods, founded in 1935 and headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the largest processors and marketers of protein products, including chicken, beef, pork, and prepared foods. The company serves customers in the United States and over 90 countries, offering products to various national restaurant chains, ranging from quick service to fine dining. Tyson's primary revenue comes from its chicken and beef segments, each contributing approximately one-third of U.S. sales, while prepared foods account for about 20% of sales under well-known brands such as Tyson, Jimmy Dean, and Hillshire Farm. Tyson Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in innovative food and agriculture companies focusing on areas like alternative proteins, food waste reduction, and enhanced food safety. With a commitment to addressing food insecurity and leveraging technological advancements in food production, Tyson Foods continues to expand its influence within the global food industry.

SupplyPike is a company that specializes in cloud-based automated software for supply chain management, leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence to enhance retail analytics and sales forecasting. The platform assists suppliers in managing relationships with retailers by providing tools to file disputes, review purchase orders, invoices, and deductions. By monitoring supply chain status, SupplyPike enables companies to streamline their processes, reduce costs, and minimize waste, ultimately empowering them to make informed, data-backed decisions.

Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC is a privately owned family office based in Overland Park, Kansas, with multiple locations across the United States. Established in 1985, the firm specializes in providing financial services primarily to individuals, including high net worth clients, pooled investment vehicles, pension plans, and corporations. It offers comprehensive financial planning services such as fee-based asset management, wealth management, retirement plan advisory, and education for plan participants. The firm invests in public equity and fixed income markets, employing a blend of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, utilizing both top-down and bottom-up strategies to construct its portfolios. Operating as a subsidiary of CHHSZ Holdings, LLC, Prime Capital Investment Advisors is dedicated to helping clients efficiently manage their finances and meet their financial goals.

Stifel Bank, a subsidiary of Stifel Bancorp, Inc., is a bank holding company based in Clayton, Missouri, focused on providing a comprehensive range of private and business banking products and services. It offers personal banking solutions such as checking and savings accounts, certificates of deposit, residential mortgages, and home equity lines of credit. For business clients, Stifel Bank provides business checking accounts, money market accounts, cash management services, and various loan options, including commercial real estate and small business administration loans. The bank also emphasizes digital banking services, including online and mobile banking, direct deposit, and e-statements. Stifel Bank primarily serves small and medium-sized businesses and their owners, aiming to be a leading financial partner by delivering customized financial solutions.

NewRoad Capital Partners is a growth equity investment firm based in Rogers, Arkansas, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth companies within the retail, consumer packaged goods, business services, and healthcare technology sectors across the United States. NewRoad focuses on businesses that address existing market needs, particularly in areas such as supply chain and logistics, marketing, human capital, franchising, and healthcare technology. With a strategic approach, the firm targets investments ranging from $5 million to $25 million, seeking to support innovative technologies, products, and services that drive demand. NewRoad Capital Partners combines investment expertise with operational experience, aiming to build scalable businesses from concept to realization.

Central Moloney specializes in the design, manufacture, and supply of distribution transformers for utilities globally. The company offers a range of products, including single-phase overhead, pad mount, and submersible transformers, as well as three-phase pad mount and network transformers. Additionally, Central Moloney produces components for electrical power equipment, such as wildlife guards, low voltage bushings, primary bushings, and various switching products. This diverse product line supports the electrical supply sector by ensuring reliable and efficient service to its customers.

VIC Technology Venture Development, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 2000 and located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, with additional offices across North America. The firm specializes in seed, startup, and early-stage investments, focusing primarily on technology solutions and healthcare-related innovations. It identifies and commercializes technologies sourced from leading universities worldwide, employing a rigorous vetting process to select high-potential opportunities with significant societal impacts. VIC Technology Venture Development typically invests between $0.25 million and $0.5 million in its portfolio companies, which span various sectors, including medical devices, therapeutics, diagnostics, clean water, animal health, food safety, and automotive safety. The firm actively participates in the management of its investments, often taking board positions to ensure effective governance and strategic development.

Rock Dental Brands is a collaborative group of dental professionals specializing in a range of services, including general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and oral surgery. By merging the expertise of dentists and dental specialists with business professionals, the organization aims to enhance patient care while streamlining the operational complexities often faced in private practices. Rock Dental Brands is committed to providing advanced dental services in modern facilities equipped with the latest technology, ensuring a patient-centric approach tailored to individual dental needs. This integration of multidisciplinary care allows for a comprehensive and efficient dental experience for clients.

Uniti Fiber is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that specializes in the acquisition and construction of essential communications infrastructure, including fiber networks, wireless towers, and ground leases. With approximately 140,000 route miles of fiber, primarily located in the Southeast, Uniti Fiber focuses on leasing fiber to enterprise customers. The company has a significant partnership with Windstream, which is its largest customer, providing a substantial portion of its revenue. Uniti is in the process of merging with Windstream, a move that will transition it away from its REIT status and expand its operations to include consumer telecommunications services. Once the merger is complete, the combined entity will own 217,000 route miles of fiber, serving 4.3 million households and 150,000 commercial buildings, predominantly in less densely populated areas. This merger will enable Uniti Fiber to enhance its offerings while maintaining its commitment to supporting critical communications infrastructure for businesses and communities.

Delek Logistics Partners, LP is based in Brentwood, Tennessee, and specializes in the ownership and operation of logistics and marketing assets for crude oil, intermediate, and refined products across the United States. The company operates through two primary segments: Pipelines and Transportation, and Wholesale Marketing and Terminalling. The Pipelines and Transportation segment encompasses a network of approximately 700 miles of crude oil gathering systems, alongside trucks and ancillary assets, facilitating crude oil gathering, transportation, and storage services, primarily supporting the Tyler, El Dorado, and Big Spring refineries. Additionally, this segment provides transportation services to third parties. The Wholesale Marketing and Terminalling segment focuses on wholesale marketing, transportation, storage, and terminalling services for refined products to independent third-party clients. Founded in 2012, Delek Logistics Partners serves as an essential component of Delek US Holdings' refining and marketing operations.

Founded in 2016, KCRise Fund is a venture capital firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. The firm prefers to invest in seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies. The firm seeks to invest in business products, business services, information technology, advanced manufacturing, augmented reality, big data, e-commerce, cybersecurity, b2b payments, infrastructure, SaaS, and technology-based sectors in Kansas and Missouri region.

IBERIABANK Corporation is a financial holding company based in Lafayette, Louisiana, that operates IBERIABANK, a commercial bank founded in 1887. The bank provides a wide range of services, including commercial and private banking, mortgage lending, business and personal loans, and treasury management. In addition to retail banking, it offers wealth management and online banking services to clients across six states in the Southeast. IBERIABANK also encompasses Lenders Title Company, which provides title insurance and closing services, IBERIA Capital Partners, focusing on corporate finance, and IBERIA Asset Management, which delivers wealth management and trust services. Furthermore, IBERIA CDE LLC invests in purchased tax credits, contributing to the company's diverse portfolio. The acquisition of First Private Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary bank in 2014 further expanded its service offerings and market presence.

Dos Rios Partners is a private equity firm based in Austin, Texas, with an additional office in Dallas. Founded in 2012, the firm specializes in investing in small, privately held companies within the six-state region of Texas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Dos Rios focuses on businesses with EBITDA ranging from $2 million to $12 million, emphasizing control and non-control transactions. The firm invests in junior securities, including common, preferred, and mezzanine equity, and seeks to partner with motivated management teams. It does not engage in seed, startup, or turnaround investments, nor does it invest in companies vulnerable to technological obsolescence or in sectors like real estate and project finance. With typical investments ranging from $5 million to $15 million, Dos Rios Partners targets entrepreneur or family-owned businesses, orphan subsidiaries of larger corporations, and small public companies. The firm's strategy includes both majority recapitalizations and add-on acquisitions, aiming to provide tailored financing solutions to underserved small businesses.

Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company primarily involved in electric power production and retail distribution. It operates five regulated utilities that generate and distribute electricity to approximately three million customers across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Entergy's power generation capacity is around 24 gigawatts, including a significant portion from nuclear sources, making it one of the largest power producers in the United States. The company also has a wholesale commodities segment that manages several nuclear units in the northern U.S. and focuses on selling generated power to wholesale customers. Entergy has a history of transitioning its asset portfolio, including the retirement and sale of some nuclear plants and plans to divest from smaller gas utilities in Louisiana.

SymBiosis Capital Management is a venture capital investment firm established in 2021 and based in Bentonville, Arkansas. The firm specializes in investing in novel therapeutics, focusing on innovative solutions in the healthcare sector. As a Registered Investment Adviser, SymBiosis Capital Management is committed to identifying and supporting promising ventures that aim to advance therapeutic development and improve patient outcomes.

Johnson Venture Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in early-stage investments. Founded in 2006, the firm focuses on providing growth capital to startups, particularly in the Southeastern United States. It targets investments in a range of sectors, including consumer products, healthcare, information technology, financial services, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence. Johnson Venture Partners typically invests between $50,000 and $500,000 in businesses with valuations under $5 million, often collaborating with other venture capital firms and angel investors. The firm emphasizes seed and early series funding rounds, seeking to support innovative companies across various industries.

4media group is a UK-based integrated communications company that specializes in market research and various communication services. The firm offers video content creation and broadcast public relations, focusing on delivering effective communication strategies to its clients. By combining market insights with digital and broadcast capabilities, 4media group aims to enhance brand visibility and engagement in the competitive media landscape.

Advanced Cabling Systems, LLC is a technology integration company based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, with additional offices in Oklahoma and Missouri. Founded in 1995, the company specializes in the installation and service of a variety of systems, including structured cabling, fiber optics, fire alarms, audio/video systems, CCTV, access control, intrusion detection, intercoms, nurse call systems, and infant protection systems. Advanced Cabling Systems also offers design, testing, and maintenance services, ensuring comprehensive support for clients across various sectors, such as commercial buildings, industrial sites, educational institutions, and residential properties. By providing a single point of contact for these diverse services, the company streamlines project management and reduces costs for its clients. As of January 2019, it operates as a subsidiary of Red Hawk Fire & Security, LLC.

A-Street Ventures, established in 2021 and based in Bentonville, Arkansas, is a private equity firm that focuses on investing in various stages of ventures, including early, growth, and late stages. The firm aims to transform PreK-12 education by targeting companies that develop digital-first instructional materials and innovative assessment methods. A-Street is dedicated to seeding and scaling solutions that enhance student learning and achievement for students, families, and schools.

FNZ (UK) Ltd specializes in providing outsourced services to the financial and wealth management sectors. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Edinburgh, the firm offers a range of solutions including FNZ One for client and portfolio management, FNZ X-Hub for discretionary portfolio managers, FNZ Clear for risk management in trading, and FNZ TRANSFER for transfer agency and distribution support. FNZ partners with various financial institutions such as asset managers, life insurers, private banks, and retail banks to enhance their wealth management capabilities across direct, intermediated, and workplace channels. The company's technology platform supports the entire wealth management value chain, from client experience and account management to back-office operations, enabling clients to deliver efficient and scalable solutions that adapt to market and regulatory changes. FNZ has a global presence with offices in multiple countries, including Australia, China, Germany, and New Zealand.

ArcBest Corporation is a logistics company that provides a wide range of freight transportation and integrated logistics solutions globally. The company operates through three main segments: Asset-Based, ArcBest, and FleetNet. The Asset-Based segment, primarily represented by ABF Freight, offers less-than-truckload services for various commodities, while also extending its services to Mexico through partnerships with local trucking companies. The ArcBest segment specializes in expedited freight and premium logistics services, including international transportation via air, ocean, and ground, as well as third-party brokerage and managed transportation solutions. Additionally, it provides warehousing, distribution, and relocation services for both individual and corporate clients. The FleetNet segment focuses on roadside assistance and maintenance management for commercial vehicles. Established in 1923 and headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas, ArcBest has grown significantly, now employing over 13,000 individuals dedicated to delivering effective logistics solutions and exceptional customer service.

Murphree Investments III is a venture capital fund managed by Murphree Venture Partners, a firm founded in 1987 and based in Houston, Texas. The fund focuses on making growth investments in medium-sized companies across various sectors, including software, commercial services, e-commerce, technology, and 3D printing. Murphree Venture Partners has a history of targeting investments in energy, critical infrastructure, technology-enhanced business services, and waste management. However, in May 2018, a spokesperson indicated that the firm was in the process of winding down its operations.

Meritus Ventures, L.P. is a venture capital firm established in 2002 and headquartered in London, Kentucky, with an additional office in Knoxville, Tennessee. The firm specializes in making equity investments in private, expansion-stage companies, focusing primarily on rural areas in Central and Southern Appalachia, including states such as Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Meritus Ventures invests between $0.25 million and $2.5 million in each portfolio company, typically over multiple rounds, and prefers equity investments in preferred stocks. The firm is particularly interested in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and software, though it maintains a broad industry focus. Meritus seeks active involvement in its investments, offering operational assistance and mentoring, often funded through grants from the USDA/SBA. The firm generally holds investments for three to five years, planning to exit through methods such as sales, mergers, management buyouts, or initial public offerings.

P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. is a truckload transportation and logistics company based in Tontitown, Arkansas, operating across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Established in 1980, the company specializes in transporting general commodities, including automotive parts, expedited goods, consumer retail merchandise, and manufactured products such as heating and air conditioning units. It also provides brokerage and logistics services to enhance its offerings. As of late 2019, P.A.M. operated a fleet of 2,130 trucks, including independent contractor units, along with 7,081 trailers, with the majority of its revenue generated from domestic shipments within the United States.

Walmart is a leading multinational retail corporation that operates a variety of discount department and warehouse stores. Its business is divided into three main segments: Walmart U.S., Walmart International, and Sam's Club. The Walmart U.S. segment functions as a mass merchandiser, providing a comprehensive range of grocery items, including fresh produce, meats, bakery goods, and household essentials, along with health and wellness services such as pharmacy and optical care. In addition to its vast selection of consumer products, Walmart also offers digital services like Vudu and InstaWatch. The company emphasizes low prices and convenience, exemplified by its supercenters, which combine grocery and general merchandise under one roof. With over 4,600 stores in the United States and more than 10,000 worldwide, Walmart has established itself as a dominant player in the retail market, generating significant sales domestically and internationally.

21c Museum Hotels operates a chain of boutique hotels that integrate contemporary art museums, primarily based in Louisville, Kentucky. Each hotel features unique art installations, enhancing the guest experience. The company provides various amenities, including complimentary parking, seminar rooms, and free Wi-Fi, ensuring a comfortable stay for its visitors. In addition to accommodation, 21c Museum Hotels also offers banquet services, catering to events and gatherings within its artistic and inviting settings.

Cloyes Gear & Products, Inc. is a leading designer and manufacturer of automotive timing drive systems and components, primarily serving the automotive aftermarket. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Fort Smith, Arkansas, the company offers a comprehensive range of products, including timing gears, sprockets, chains, tensioners, and multi-component timing kits, which are essential for engine performance in both high-performance and replacement applications. Cloyes caters to a diverse customer base that includes wholesale distributors, national and local retailers, and production engine rebuilders. The company operates additional facilities in Paris, Arkansas, and Aguascalientes, Mexico, and provides both replacement and installation services. Cloyes Gear & Products, Inc. was previously known as Cloyes Gear Works, Inc. before rebranding in 1957.

Carousel Capital is a private investment firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in mid-market investments, focusing on companies in the business services, consumer products and services, and healthcare services sectors, primarily in the Southeastern United States. Carousel Capital partners with management teams to foster the growth of businesses, aiming to build firms with national and global reach. The firm manages a buyout fund that targets investments in 8 to 12 businesses with a minimum EBITDA of $3 million, typically over a 3 to 5-year horizon. Its investor base includes institutional investors and a network of over one hundred current and former corporate Chief Executive Officers, who contribute to opportunity sourcing and provide valuable sector insights and strategic support.

Zips Car Wash is a provider of car wash services across the United States, specializing in a convenient ride-thru experience. The company offers a range of car wash packages, enabling customers to choose from multiple levels of service tailored to their needs. Additionally, Zips Car Wash provides free self-serve vacuums at most locations, further enhancing the value of its offerings. The Unlimited Wash Club Membership program allows customers to maintain their vehicles easily and affordably, promoting regular upkeep and protection.

SunTx Capital Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2001 and based in Dallas, Texas. The firm specializes in investing in middle-market companies within the manufacturing, distribution, and business service sectors, primarily targeting firms located in the Sunbelt region of the United States. SunTx Capital Partners employs a hands-on approach, leveraging its capital, industry experience, and relationships to assist businesses in realizing their full potential. The firm has established a reputation for being a trusted partner, particularly in complex situations, and has managed various buyout funds that focus on diverse sectors including commercial products, services, and industrial applications.

Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is the largest real estate franchise company in North America, operating approximately 700 offices and employing around 100,000 associates across more than a dozen countries. Founded in 1983, the company has established an agent-centric, education-based, and technology-driven culture that prioritizes the training and development of its associates. Recognized for its exceptional training programs, Keller Williams has been ranked as one of the leading training organizations globally. The firm specializes in residential real estate, luxury homes, and commercial properties, while also offering property management and consultancy services. Its unique profit-sharing system encourages associates to become stakeholders, further driving the company's growth. Keller Williams Realty is dedicated to equipping its agents with the necessary tools and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic real estate market.

Lexicon Construction and Fabrication is a construction company that specializes in a range of services, including construction management, concrete work, and design. The company's expertise extends to real estate services, offering fabrication solutions such as custom metal and prospect steel. Additionally, Lexicon has experience in golf course construction, showcasing its versatility in various sectors of the construction industry. Through its comprehensive service portfolio, Lexicon aims to meet diverse client needs with a focus on quality and efficiency.

Alpaca Audiology, LLC, founded in 2011 and based in Russellville, Arkansas, operates a network of audiology clinics across the United States. The company focuses on distributing audiology products to clinics and providing ear testing services, along with hearing aid machines. Alpaca Audiology aims to support audiologists by offering healthcare practice management services and fostering a negotiating network to protect the profession and future of audiology. Through its innovative approaches, the company seeks to enhance the measurement and treatment of hearing loss, serving both patients and professionals in the audiological field. In 2019, Alpaca Audiology was acquired by Belsono Management Group, LLC.

Equity Bancshares, Inc. serves as the bank holding company for Equity Bank, a commercial bank based in Wichita, Kansas. Founded in 2002, the bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services primarily targeting businesses, business owners, and individuals. It accepts various deposits, including demand, savings, money market, and time deposits. The bank's loan offerings encompass commercial loans, real estate-backed financing, working capital loans, and various consumer loans, catering to a diverse clientele that includes national and regional companies, restaurant franchisees, hoteliers, and agribusinesses. Additionally, Equity Bank provides a suite of online and mobile banking solutions, debit card services, and treasury management options. As of December 31, 2019, the bank operated 52 full-service branches across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, making it a significant player in the regional banking landscape.

Murphy Oil Corporation is an independent exploration and production company with a strong portfolio of global offshore and onshore assets delivering oil-weighted growth. Murphy produces oil and/or natural gas in the United States, Canada, and Malaysia and conducts exploration activities worldwide. Headquartered in El Dorado, Arkansas, Murphy has over 1,500 employees around the world.

Stephens is a privately held financial services firm established in 1933 and headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, with an additional office in Houston, Texas. The firm operates as an investment banking entity and asset management provider, focusing on building long-term relationships and delivering sustained results. Its services encompass investment banking, wealth management, capital management, and expert consulting on governmental and corporate pension management. Stephens serves a diverse clientele that includes high net worth individuals, corporations, charitable organizations, and government entities. The firm manages client-focused portfolios in equity, fixed income, and balanced strategies, investing globally across public equity markets and fixed income securities. It typically emphasizes value and growth stocks across various market capitalizations for equity investments, while its fixed income strategy includes AAA government bonds and a macroeconomic analysis approach. Through disciplined in-house research and performance benchmarking, Stephens aims to achieve optimal investment outcomes for its clients.

Landscape Workshop LLC is a full-service grounds management company that has been offering comprehensive landscaping services since its founding in 1984. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, the company operates throughout the Southeast, including locations in Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. Its diverse service portfolio encompasses landscape construction and installation, maintenance, design, irrigation, and facility services. Additionally, Landscape Workshop provides seasonal color programs, weed and insect control, arbor care, and snow and ice removal. The company serves a wide range of clients, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, municipalities, retail businesses, and residential properties. By focusing on maintaining property value and enhancing outdoor spaces, Landscape Workshop aims to help clients attract customers and tenants.