Hayden Smith always had a vision for owning his own business.
While in college, he played around with ideas for a smokehouse and a tree farm before deciding to go to the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis. Dentistry was a way he could use his hands and help people, he decided; and more than that, he could develop long-lasting relationships beyond the dental office.
Smith (on the left in the photo) 
owns and operates Timberland Dental in Camden, Arkansas. He purchased the practice in July.
The biggest obstacle for Smith was obtaining financing. The paperwork and steps involved in getting a loan were stressful. However, Joe McFadden of BancorpSouth in Camden was there every step of the way to walk him through the SBA lending process.
One of those steps involved the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Southern Arkansas University.
Smith needed a business plan and financial projections for his loan package, so McFadden connected him with the center’s Kristen Cribb in March.
Cribb assisted the prospective business owner with planning, financial analysis, market research, loan packaging, and online and traditional marketing.
Thinking he would only receive assistance with his business plan, Smith said the center delivered more than he ever imagined.
“ASBTDC provided ample information and suggestions with respect to marketing, creating a business plan, and developing a pro-forma for the business,” he stated. “Kristen Cribb was my go-to on these items. She was always willing to answer questions and give me pointers during the startup process. I recommend her expertise to any new entrepreneur who is wanting to start off on the right track.”
When asked about his advice for other small business owners, Smith said, “Tell them that they need to utilize ASBTDC. This has been instrumental for me starting my own business. The services are free, the consultants are very professional, and they genuinely want to help you succeed. There’s no strings attached.”
Timberland Dental is located at 135 Cash Road in Camden and is open every weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Originally, the practice was closed on Fridays, but Smith wanted to offer the opportunity for East Camden Industrial Park employees to visit on their day off.
Find Timberland Dental – Hayden Smith, DDS on Facebook for more information.