Accelerator to foster growth in women's health industry - Axios NW ArkansasLog InLog InAxios NW Arkansas is an Axios company.

New accelerator aims to foster growth in women' s health industry

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios A new business accelerator will work to breathe life into a profitable, yet underserved research area — women's health. What's happening: Oklahoma City-based and NWA's are creating the to help develop women-focused health and wellness startups. They're especially interested in companies founded by women or people of color. Part of the effort's funding comes through a grant from the Walton Family Foundation. State of play: Not including cancer research, only about 1% of health care's innovation is invested in female-related conditions, according to . Yes, and: Organizations that have women in the C-suite or top management are generally more profitable, . Context: Led by three women, FemHealth Founders is working to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem for women's health in the U.S. heartland.StichCrew is a nonprofit focused on connecting underserved entrepreneurs with resources, networks and capital. Details: Set to start sometime early next year, the eight-week FemHealth Accelerator will accept five companies in its pilot cohort. Programming will be available online to accommodate participants' schedules and locations. Entrepreneurs with a product or service related to the female health care industry can , and a committee will select companies. Participants will receive a $10,000 grant that doesn't require any company equity. On completion, the cohort will gather in Bentonville, where they can network with other entrepreneurs and investors. What they're saying: "Even though we represent 50% of the population … we represent 40% of businesses, 50% of the labor force and 80% of consumer spending … decisions continue to be made for us instead of by us," Erika Lucas, founder of StichCrew and co-founder of angel investment group VEST Her, told Axios. "There're so many [people] in the political environment, it's actually making it worse for women entrepreneurs and … for health providers and for those that are looking to create solutions in the femhealth space," Lucas added. What's next: StitchCrew and FemHealth Founders are hosting a panel discussion about funding options for women-founded startups and additional details about the on Sept. 27 from 4:30-6:30pm. in Bentonville or view online. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

More NW Arkansas stories

No stories could be found Get a free daily digest of the most important news in your backyard with Axios NW Arkansas.Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.