The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) is a university-based economic development program which provides assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Arkansas via a statewide network of seven offices. As the state's premier business assistance program, the ASBTDC is dedicated to helping small businesses achieve success and to promoting economic development throughout the state.
Consulting - The ASBTDC provides, at no cost, one-to-one professional consulting for business owners and entrepreneurs. Help available includes advice on operating challenges in existing businesses, review of business plans and strategies, guidance in starting new businesses, preparation of loan requests, financial analysis and budget development. The Arkansas SBTDC neither lends money nor administers grants. However, business consultants can assist small business owners in meeting their operating challenges. Because the ASBTDC is a statewide organization, consulting needs can be met even for those who reside outside of Little Rock.
New or prospective business owners are strongly encouraged to attend our "Starting a Business in Arkansas" seminar before meeting with a consultant. Additionally, submitting a copy of a completed business plan prior to meeting with a business consultant will enable the consultant to provide valuable feedback during the consulting process. Appointments are required to meet with a consultant and can usually be scheduled within a few days of the initial phone call.
Market Research - We can help small businesses better understand who their customers are, what motivates their purchasing decisions, and who their competitors are. The ASBTDC specializes in gathering and applying market intelligence to solve real-world business problems. Utilizing an array of tools and resources, ASBTDC market research helps clients identify the best location for a new store, improve the effectiveness of direct mailings, find an underserved niche, and much more. Market research services are offered free of charge to ASBTDC's small business clients. We provide in-depth information and the highest quality data and analysis.
The ASBTDC subscribes to proprietary market research databases and has licensed special mapping software. These tools can give business owners an extremely effective visual representation of the marketplace. As a member of the university community, the ASBTDC also has access to a wide range of academic libraries and research institutes.
Training - Current and potential business owners can take advantage of the ASBTDC's affordable small business training programs. The ASBTDC offers live seminars in locations throughout the state as well as convenient online seminars. Training on a variety of business topics is offered including starting a business, writing business plans, marketing, financing, and technology and innovation. Instructors and facilitators at our live seminars include ASBTDC staff and business professionals such as accountants, bankers, attorneys, marketing professionals, small business owners, and others.
Online seminars focus on the 3Ms: Money, Marketing and Management. There are 20 courses offered and more than 350 tools and other resources are available with the courses. Register or access information about live events and online training.
The ASBTDC's seven offices are staffed by highly qualified, experienced professionals. Staff biographies
Arkansas businesses assisted by the ASBTDC provided significantly more economic impact than the average Arkansas small business over the last decade. ASBTDC clients have an average sales growth 15.9% higher than the average Arkansas business and average employment growth 16.5% higher than the average Arkansas business.
Over the last decade, ASBTDC clients created 2.9 new jobs per day for a total of 10,642 new jobs. ASBTDC clients made $308,713 in new sales per day for a total of more than $1.1 billion in new sales. ASBTDC clients obtained more than $135,000 in financing per day for a total of more than $478.8 million in financing. Additionally, ASBTDC clients generated $54.8 million more in state and $31.2 million more in federal taxes than if they had performed like the average business in the state.
The ASBTDC's Advisory Board, Friends of Small Business, is comprised of entrepreneurs, bankers, and individuals from organizations committed to growing and supporting Arkansas' small business community. The diverse membership contributes to furthering ASBTDC's mission and vision. Members confer with the ASBTDC's state director on policy matters, serve as advocates for small businesses, and represent the mission and goals of the ASBTDC to the business community.
Dr. Mary Ann Campbell (Chair)
President, Money Magic, Inc.
Shane Broadway
Interim Director, Arkansas Department of Higher Education
Roby Brock
Executive Producer, Talk Business
Sam Chaffin
Logistics Consultant, Global Concepts, Inc., and Contractor, Action Erectors, Inc.
Dr. Michael Douglas
Director, UAMS BioVentures
Marla Johnson Norris
CEO, Aristotle
Don Rhoads
Fleming Electric
Jim Sadler
District Director, SCORE
Brian Stack
CEO and Founder, Unityware
Clevon Young
Executive Director, Arkansas Human Development Corporation
Randy Zook
President and CEO, Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce
Linda Nelson (Ex Officio)
District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration, Arkansas District Office
