Startup activity has surged since the coronavirus pandemic, as people decide to leap into entrepreneurship.
Wendy Orvis, startup specialist for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, has already helped clients start 19 businesses this year, including the three described below.
Beth Quarles and Adrienne Autin launched Paper Hearts Bookstore this summer. After taking part in a “Starting a Business in Arkansas” webinar offered by ASBTDC, the friends consulted with Orvis on their idea for a pop-up mobile bookstore in Central Arkansas.
“Wendy Orvis helped us take our big dreams and pieced-together business plan to a business plan that we can be proud of and will ensure our big dream happens,” said Quarles and Autin, who are first-time business owners.
Sophie Tabak had a business in another state, but when she moved to Little Rock, she contacted ASBTDC about how to properly establish a business in Arkansas.
The experienced pilates instructor started MVMT Place, a pilates studio in Little Rock. She offers group workshops and one-on-one training, customized to improve athletic performance, speed recovery from injury, or accomplish other workout goals.
Orvis and the center worked with Tabak on starting, marketing, and managing her business.
“ASBTDC was very responsive to all of my questions and gave me a lot of tools to get started. Wendy had great suggestions and is genuinely concerned with my success,” she said.
Lorin Calhoun of Little Rock turned a hobby into a retail business. After a year of creating t-shirts and gifts for friends and family, she started Creative Attributes.
Reflecting her faith, Calhoun’s home décor, jewelry, and other products feature inspirational messages. Creative Attributes has an e-commerce website, and customers can also find Calhoun at the Little Rock Farmers Market.
Orvis has advised her about online marketing, focusing on social media and search engine optimization, and business planning. Calhoun also participated in the center’s startup webinars.
“Ms. Wendy has been an invaluable resource to me as I embark on my entrepreneurial journey. With the tools and encouragement she has provided, I am more confident in my journey,” Calhoun said.
(Photo courtesy of Lorin Calhoun)
Through a Portable Assistance Grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration, ASBTDC has offered special training and technical assistance for startup businesses in Pulaski, Faulkner, and Jefferson counties.