When Kierra Tyson saw residents of Camden, Ark., traveling miles for basic drug screenings and other tests, she knew her community needed better access to testing services.
Determined to fill the gap, Tyson turned to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Southern Arkansas University for support.
Since February 2021, Tyson’s Need To Know Testing LLC has provided a variety of testing services for the local area, from drug and alcohol screenings to paternity, DNA, and COVID-19 antibody tests.
The business’s opening, on what would have been her late mother’s 53rd birthday, was deeply personal for Tyson. She dedicated the day to her mother, honoring her memory with a business she knew would meet a community need.
ASBTDC consultant Janell Reeves played a crucial role in helping Tyson navigate the complexities of starting her testing company. From business planning to marketing support, Reeves provided the guidance needed to launch successfully—and stay in business.
“Mrs. Reeves is absolutely wonderful. She was not only a consultant to my business but also a personal strength that helped me through hectic times,” said Tyson.
Today, Need To Know Testing serves Camden and surrounding communities, saving local residents from the time and expense of traveling for essential tests.
Tyson credits ASBTDC for helping her turn her vision into reality.
Where to Begin with Marketing
Reeves gave Tyson resources that helped her develop the marketing for Need to Know Testing without spending a lot of money. If you’re a business owner looking to improve your marketing efforts, there are several free tools you can access online.
You can design professional logos using the Wix Logo Maker, create marketing materials with Canva, and develop eye-catching social media graphics with Piktochart. For email marketing, Mailchimp is a popular service to create campaigns and manage subscribers.
To learn more about Need to Know Testing LLC, visit the company’s Facebook page.