The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the U of A, a unit of the U of A Division of Economic Development, wrapped up 2022 with a banner year of new clients, new business starts and capital acquisition.

With customer satisfaction scores of over 94%, the Center's eight-person team provided 2,031 consultant hours for 905 new clients and their respective projects. ASBTDC, UAF consultants also assisted clients in obtaining $17.5 million in capital and positioned 48 new business starts for success in the thriving NWA small business community.

"We are a small, but mighty, team, and I could not be prouder of our accomplishments this year and our impact in 2022," said Mary Beth Brooks, director of the center. "We look forward to 2023 with new clients, new ideas and new opportunities for economic impact in the small business community," Brooks added.

Serving current and prospective business owners in six counties, the team at the U of A Small Business and Technology Development Center provides guidance and expertise in starting and growing a small business, finance, marketing, innovation and technology commercialization. All services are provided at no cost to the client.

The center offers monthly in-person and virtual workshops designed to give clients the knowledge and skill needed to be successful. Information and registration for events can be found here, and the upcoming schedule includes:​

• Noon Tuesday, Jan. 31 – Smart Principles of Marketing Messaging
• Noon Wednesday, Feb. 8 – Onboarding Employees for Success
• Noon Wednesday, Feb. 15 – Optimizing Your Google Business Profile
• Noon Thursday, Feb. 23 – Financial Foundations: Bookkeeping & Accounting Introduction

Follow these links to sign up for a consultation, the center's newsletter, to explore client stories and utilize ASBTDC resources for small businesses, startups and dreams big or small.

Offices:
240 N. Block Ave., Suite 100, Fayetteville 72701, and 700 SE 5th St., Suite 130, Bentonville 72712 
Contact: SBDC@uark.edu or 479-575-5148.