we are heartland forward

a think-and-do tank

Working as a resource for states and communities to advance economic success

The latest

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Harnessing AI in the Heartland—Heartland Summit Video
  • Newsroom
  • Regional Competitiveness
PRESS RELEASE: Chattanooga, Fargo and Wichita Recognized at 2025 Heartland Summit as Secret Sauce Communities
  • Newsroom
  • Regional Competitiveness
PRESS RELEASE: rootEd Arkansas Students Announce Postsecondary Plans at Heartland Forward’s Decision Day
  • Human Capital and Workforce Development
  • Newsroom

Our Pillars

Innovation & entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of a community’s economy. Our research and programs focus on developing opportunities to spur entrepreneurship and stimulate business creation right here in the heartland.

Human capital & workforce development

People along with their education and training are the most important asset of a state and region’s economy.Our work focuses on the education, training and funding of programs that promote job growth and stimulate local economies.

Health & wellness

Accessibility, affordability and adoptability in healthcare must lead to better individual health outcomes.We seek to advance the healthcare workforce, public policy changes, modernizations, new technologies, quality of life and programs. This investment of time and resources is designed to create healthier communities.

Regional competitiveness

A successful and vibrant heartland is one that attracts businesses, entrepreneurs and human capital while maintaining a healthy workforce and quality of life for the people who live and work in the region.We are committed to ensuring the 20 states that make-up the heartland remain the 3rd largest GDP in the world.

Where we Work

We define the Heartland as the 20 states in the middle of the country that, together, make up the third-largest economy in the world.

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Heartland Summit

Our flagship event, the Heartland Summit, brings together approximately 350 of the top thinkers and doers across sectors, geographies and generations - right in downtown Bentonville, AR to “Meet in the Middle” by sharing their collective insights on advancing the heartland. Attendees range from policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, business, philanthropy and thought leaders.

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