Small businesses in downtown Springdale gathered to hear about the many resources the U of A offers businesses across the state.

The Division of Economic Development, in collaboration with the Downtown Springdale Alliance, hosted a Small Business Cohort on Aug. 23 at The Medium, a project of CACHE, to highlight different units and resources within the U of A to help small businesses.  

"The University of Arkansas small business cohort's presentation to the downtown Springdale small businesses was a remarkable event, filled with immense possibilities," said Jill Dabbs, executive director of Downtown Springdale alliance. "The synergy and collaboration witnessed during this gathering are strong indicators of the prosperous economic development that lies ahead. Together, through shared knowledge and collective efforts, we will pave the way for a thriving future for all."

Colleagues were brought across campus to share information about complimentary consulting, complimentary market research, ways to hire students, creating internship programs, recruiting students on campus, funding for student workers, the School of Art's Community Design Clinic and workshops.  

Presenters included: 

• Mary Beth Brooks, center director, Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center
• Michelle Pribbernow, director of career initiatives, the Offices of Career Connections and the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences
• Donna Smith Jones, director of recruitment and outreach, School of Art
• Jason Riley, Venture Intern Program manager, Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation   

"We hear from time to time that people don't know the best way to approach the university - one participant at this event even said she finds it 'intimidating' to think about doing so," said Mike Malone, vice chancellor for economic development. "Our goal is to make it easier to navigate through events like this that help expose communities to all that we have to offer and how we can help connect them to campus." 

Bill Rogers, president/CEO of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce, added, "This week's event is the very definition of the chamber's value to our community. Through our relationships, we were able to convene small business experts at the university with our incredible Downtown Springdale entrepreneurs and begin a conversation we hope will result in economic growth and profitability for these stakeholders. We are seeing phenomenal growth in our downtown economy, and this collaboration is the next step to bigger and better things."

Business owners were left with the charge from Dabbs to find a resource at the U of A to help their business before they meet again.