Sen. John Boozman's Visit Highlights NWA Small Business

U.S. Sen. John Boozman visited Red Barn Donuts, a client of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), Wednesday, Jan. 21, in Rogers.

Red Barn Donuts is one of hundreds of Northwest Arkansas businesses supported each year by the ASBTDC, which provides free, confidential consulting services to entrepreneurs seeking to start, buy, and grow businesses across the region.

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center serves entrepreneurs at every stage of business development, offering expertise in business planning, financial analysis, access to capital, market research and growth strategy. All ASBTDC services are provided at no cost and are available to the public.

In 2025, the ASBTDC:

• Assisted 647 clients
• Helped launch 51 new businesses
• Supported 81 capital transactions
• Secured a total of $32,797,892 in funding for Arkansas entrepreneurs

"The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is a nonprofit funded entirely by grants and gifts, so our amazing accomplishments could not happen without support from our partners," said Carrie Jackson, ASBTDC University of Arkansas Fayetteville Center director. "Thank you to the University of Arkansas, the Walton College of Business, the Collaborative in Bentonville, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Lead Center of the ASBTDC at the University of Arkansas Little Rock, the National Science Foundation and all of our grant sponsors and donors for supporting our success."

Sen. Boozman's visit underscores the critical role small businesses play in local economic development and highlights the importance of accessible, high-quality entrepreneurial support in Northwest Arkansas and across the state.

About the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center: The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) is a statewide economic development program that provides free, confidential consulting to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Through a network of centers hosted by institutions of higher education across Arkansas, the ASBTDC helps businesses start, grow and thrive by offering guidance in business planning, financial management, innovation and access to capital. The ASBTDC is funded through grants and partnerships with organizations including the U.S. Small Business Administration, the University of Arkansas and other public and private partners.

SBA Disclaimer: Funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

This program is supported by federal funding. Full disclosures are available at tinyurl.com/4wdus3tf.