The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) is a University-based economic development program which provides assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Arkansas via a statewide network of seven offices. As the state's premier business assistance program, the ASBTDC is dedicated to helping small businesses achieve success and to promoting economic development throughout the state.
Consulting Services
The ASBTDC provides, at no cost, one-to-one professional consulting for business owners and entrepreneurs. Help available includes: advice on operating challenges in existing businesses, review of business plans and strategies, guidance in starting new businesses, preparation of loan requests, financial analysis and budget development. A "New Venture Guide", available in the Consulting section of the web site at http://asbdc.ualr.edu/start/, offers guidance in handling new business operations and finances. The Arkansas SBTDC neither lends money nor administers grants. However, business consultants can assist small business owners in meeting their operating challenges. Because the Arkansas SBTDC is a statewide organization, consulting needs can be met even for those who reside outside of Little Rock.
New business owners are strongly encouraged to attend the Arkansas SBTDC seminar, "Starting a Business in Arkansas" before meeting with a consultant. Additionally, submitting a copy of a completed business plan prior to the consultant meeting will enable the consultant to provide valuable feedback during the consulting process. Appointments are required to meet with a consultant and are usually able to be scheduled within a few days of the initial phone call.
Market Research Services
The ASBTDC's lead center in Little Rock offers market research services free of charge to our small business clients. Our capabilities and tools are typical of those affordable only to larger firms. We provide our clients with the highest quality data and analysis they need to make sound business decisions.
The ASBTDC subscribes to proprietary market research databases and has licensed special mapping software. These tools can give business owners an extremely effective visual representation of the marketplace. We can help business owners better understand who their customers are, what motivates their purchasing decisions, and who their competitors are.
The ASBTDC specializes in gathering and applying market intelligence to solve real-world business problems. We can help clients identify the best location for a new store, improve the effectiveness of direct mailings, find an underserved niche, and much more. As a member of the university community, the ASBTDC has access to a wide range of academic libraries and research institutes.
Training Services
Existing and new business owners can take advantage of the ASBTDC's affordable small business training programs. The ASBTDC offers live seminars in locations throughout the state as well as convenient and flexible online seminars. Training on a variety of business topics is offered including starting a business, writing business plans, marketing, financing, and technology and innovation.
Live seminar instructors and facilitators include ASBTDC and business professionals such as accountants, bankers, attorneys, marketing professionals, small business owners, and more.
Online seminars focus on the 3Ms: Money, Marketing and Management. There are 20 courses offered and more than 350 tools and other resources are available with the courses.
Register or access information about live events and online training at: asbdc.ualr.edu/training
