After collaborating on six events in 2018, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Central Arkansas Library System are planning more programs in more locations this year.
“ASBTDC provides the kind of proven workshops and programs that are needed for both established and emerging entrepreneurial endeavors and the highly trained and experienced personnel to lead them,” said Mark Christ, head of adult programming at CALS.
“The partnership is valuable to the public in that the network of branch libraries in the Central Arkansas Library System offers locations convenient throughout Little Rock and Pulaski and Perry counties for ASBTDC to bring their programs without attendees having to travel to the UALR campus.”
Last year, CALS digital literacy specialist Nathan Smith led classes at ASBTDC on Canva, MailChimp, and Google Apps. To start 2019, ASBTDC staff are leading business startup events at library branches in Perryville, Maumelle, and the capital city. In addition, the CALS Ron Robinson Theater in downtown Little Rock will host “Johnny Cupcakes: A Blueprint for Brand Loyalty & Global Domination” presented by ASBTDC and the UA Little Rock College of Business.
See our events calendar for event dates, times, and details.
Entrepreneurship is an emerging theme for libraries, according to Christ.
“Libraries across the United States are trying to find new ways to assist their patrons, and with small businesses providing some of the most dynamic growth in the nation’s economy, CALS is seeking to become a vital resource for both information and training,” he said.
In addition to events, small business owners and entrepreneurs can also take advantage of the CALS Business and Technology Center at Williams Library. The center is a digital studio entrepreneurs can use free of charge to create media content, including photos, videos, and podcasts. Lighting and other equipment are provided.