Inside a Community-Driven Campaign to Unleash Entrepreneurial Opportunity

In Northwest Arkansas, Right to Start amplifies the voices of underserved entrepreneurs and helps remove barriers to their success

When Daymara Baker opened her new business, Rockin’ Baker, in 2016, she had a clear mission and vision for the nonprofit venture.

Daymara wanted to produce high-quality artisanal breads for restaurants and retail customers in Northwest Arkansas. In addition, she wanted to employ individuals with autism, whose skills are often overlooked and undervalued in traditional workplaces.

“My goal was to create a safe space for our cadet bakers, where they could gain confidence and the self-esteem to retain their jobs,” says Daymara. “Many of these kids are never given a chance or opportunity to succeed. I want them to be proud of who they are and recognize their different capabilities should never stop them from pursuing their goals.”