Setting a new all-time best, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center helped clients secure $85.6 million in capital funding in 2017, topping last year’s record by more than $15 million.
The center assisted current and prospective small business owners with obtaining loans and other capital investment totaling $85,601,802, helping them prepare business plans, market research and financial data to present to lenders and investors.
The previous record was $69.9 million.
In addition, ASBTDC helped clients start 132 businesses, increase sales by $34.1 million and create 651 jobs last year.
“In the last three years, we have helped Arkansas entrepreneurs create hundreds of jobs and acquire over $220 million to invest in their businesses and communities,” said Laura Fine, state director. “Small businesses have a not-so-small impact on our economy, and the jobs and revenue they generate across the state add up.”