- University News Archive - 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock /news-archive/tag/small-business/ 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Thu, 01 Nov 2018 13:03:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 ASBTDC plans week of activities to encourage entrepreneurship /news-archive/2018/11/01/global-entrepreneurship-week/ Thu, 01 Nov 2018 13:03:02 +0000 /news/?p=72531 ... ASBTDC plans week of activities to encourage entrepreneurship]]> Anyone at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock interested in exploring entrepreneurship can turn to the on-campus experts at the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center. Part of the College of Business, ASBTDC offers no-cost consulting and market research to budding entrepreneurs, along with a variety of educational events. During Global Entrepreneurship Week聽Nov. 12-18, the center will host a slate of free entrepreneurship-focused activities, including Small Talk, an event for 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock students. is set for 5-7 p.m. Nov. 15 in the Reynolds Business Center atrium. Students are invited to network and have a bite to eat ,then hear from three young entrepreneurs: Mario Settles of Trukplease, Liz Sniegocki of Haven Massage Therapy, and Matthew Young of ListingVillage. The trio will share their startup stories through TED-style talks. The event is a joint effort of ASBTDC and the College of Business. Additional GEW events include:
  • – Nov. 13, The Centre in University Park. 鈥淪tartup in a Day鈥 combines three of the center鈥檚 most popular seminars, 鈥淪tarting a Business in Arkansas,鈥 鈥淲riting a Business Plan,鈥 and 鈥淔inancing Options.鈥
  • – Nov. 14, Little Rock Technology Park. The Business Innovations Clinic at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law will share ways to safeguard inventions, written material, apps, symbols, names, images and other types of intellectual property.
  • (webinar) – Nov. 14
ASBTDC will kick off its new 鈥淏oost Business in Your Community鈥 online series for mayors, county judges, and other local elected officials. The webinar will discuss what communities can do to assist new and potential business owners. All the events are free of charge. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center assists entrepreneurs at every stage of business development and growth. Learn more at . Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world鈥檚 largest celebration of the innovators and job creators who launch startups. Through local, national and global activities, GEW inspires people everywhere to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey. Last year, events took place in 167 countries.]]> Center Helps Arkansas Small Businesses Ring Up More Than $300 Million in Sales Last Year /news-archive/2018/10/02/asbtdc-business-impact/ Tue, 02 Oct 2018 17:53:54 +0000 /news/?p=72067 ... Center Helps Arkansas Small Businesses Ring Up More Than $300 Million in Sales Last Year]]> Small businesses are ringing up sales and growing with help from the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock-based (ASBTDC).
Businesses served by the ASBTDC network said the counseling they received led to $305.8 million in sales revenue last year, according to a recently released independent analysis of the program鈥檚 economic impact. The study analyzed sales and employment changes, financing obtained, and tax revenues generated by clients who received five or more hours of assistance in the 2016 calendar year. A one-year snapshot, the study focused on how the businesses performed in 2017. Sales growth was 14.3 percent higher for client businesses compared to the average Arkansas business. Clients with established businesses saw an average sales increase of $114,093, while clients who started businesses recorded average sales of $355,456. The center鈥檚 assistance also led to job growth. Client businesses created 1,542 jobs, increasing employment 5.8 percent more than other businesses. The study also found that assistance from the center helped businesses
  • Retain 1,228 existing jobs
  • Generate $8.3 million in state tax revenues and $3.8 million in federal tax revenues
  • Secure $131.7 million in capital financing
鈥淎s this study shows, ASBTDC small business clients are growing their companies, creating and retaining jobs, and accessing capital,鈥 said Laura Fine, ASBTDC state director. 鈥淭hese small businesses are making an impact on Arkansas鈥 rural and urban communities, leading to a stronger state economy.鈥 For every dollar invested in the ASBTDC program, clients generated a return on investment of $4.56, the study concluded. Dr. James J. Chrisman, an independent consultant, conducted the annual analysis. Chrisman calculated changes in clients’ employment and sales data from the year they received assistance to the following year, then compared the results with the average changes for all Arkansas businesses during the same time period. Unique among the state鈥檚 economic development organizations, ASBTDC services are available to businesses from any county in Arkansas, in any industry sector, at any stage of development. The program is funded by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and six other state universities in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
]]> National Small Business Innovation Road Tour Coming to Little Rock to Promote $2.5B in Early-Stage Funding /news-archive/2018/03/22/sbir-road-tour/ Thu, 22 Mar 2018 13:42:34 +0000 /news/?p=69841 ... National Small Business Innovation Road Tour Coming to Little Rock to Promote $2.5B in Early-Stage Funding]]> Through SBIR and its sister program, Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR), federal agencies award $2.5 billion annually to small companies developing groundbreaking technologies. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host the Road Tour stop at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. 鈥淲e are dedicated to supporting America鈥檚 entrepreneurs wherever they are. American innovation is not restricted by geographic or cultural boundaries,鈥 said SBA Administrator Linda McMahon. 鈥淭his tour reflects our commitment to ensuring that these innovators are aware of the resources that can help them turn a big idea into another great American innovation story.鈥 Program managers from nine federal agencies, including the Department of Agriculture and the National Science Foundation, will meet one-on-one with attendees and share insights into how their agencies make funding decisions. The SBIR/STTR programs award more than 4,000 new grants and contracts per year. The funding has helped U.S. innovators advance new technologies and create thousands of jobs, according to SBA. The agencies fund a wide variety of innovations in health, cybersecurity, advanced materials, unmanned systems and more. The Road Tour looks to increase SBIR and STTR participation by women, small companies in underrepresented states like Arkansas and individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged. Small technology firms, entrepreneurs, scientists and researchers are encouraged to attend. Participants can also learn about state-specific resources for innovation-based ventures during the afternoon session. Lunch will be provided. There is no charge to attend, but pre-registration is required and available online. To learn more, visit or contact the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at 501-683-7700.]]> ASBTDC offers seminars for business owners /news-archive/2018/02/02/asbtdc-february-classes/ Fri, 02 Feb 2018 18:56:46 +0000 /news/?p=69226 ... ASBTDC offers seminars for business owners]]> The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, based at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will offer classes in February for business owners that will help them develop skills in business financing, QuickBooks, and the food and business industry.听 A list of the courses include: will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Reynolds Business Center. Do you need funding to start a business or expand an existing one? Learn about the business financing process and different sources of capital, including SBA-backed loans, traditional bank loans, micro loans, and alternative funding sources. 听2.听 will begin at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Reynolds Business Center. Are you just getting started or considering using the desktop version of QuickBooks? If so, then join us for this comprehensive class on how to set up and use the program. 3. ASBTDC鈥檚 newest course, will start at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at The Joint in North Little Rock. Whether you are new to the food-and-beverage business or an old pro, how can you cater to the preferences of today鈥檚 discerning consumer? Through short, powerful talks, three local business owners will share their fresh perspectives on how to survive and thrive in the industry and carve a niche in the Central Arkansas food scene. 听4.听 begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock Reynolds Business Center. Come explore what business ownership is all about. We鈥檒l acquaint you with the startup process and the entrepreneurial lifestyle. The free, hour-long conversation will give you a sense of what starting a business requires and tips to help you decide if you are ready to move forward with your idea. Bring your questions! For more information, contact Pamela Reed at 501-683-7700 or pmreed@ualr.edu. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. The center assists companies at every stage of business development and growth. To learn more, visit asbtdc.org. All programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Pamela Reed at (501) 683-7700.]]> Small business center offering programs for Arkansans interested in starting a business /news-archive/2018/01/13/asbtdc-january-workshops/ Sat, 13 Jan 2018 18:09:53 +0000 /news/?p=68995 ... Small business center offering programs for Arkansans interested in starting a business]]> The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, based at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will offer programs in January to help potential business owners prepare to start a business.听 The center is offering the seminar, from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, in the Reynolds Business Center. The class covers essential startup steps, legal business structures, regulations, licensing, key issues that affect business success, and common pitfalls that entrepreneurs face. Those interested in attending may register by. The cost is $30. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock employees, students, and veterans may attend for free. In the workshop, 鈥淗ow to Write a Business Plan,鈥 new and potential business owners will learn how to put together a plan that will guide the growth of the business and can be shared with lenders and investors. Participants will create a plan that defines the business concept, evaluates competition, determines risk, and estimates costs. The workshop will take place from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Reynolds Business Center. Those interested in attending may register by. The cost is $35. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock employees and students may attend for free. In addition to these seminars, ASBTDC will also offer an Introduction to QuickBooks workshop from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at the Reynolds Business Center.听Participants may register by . The cost is $70. For more information, contact Pamela Reed at 501-683-7700 or pmreed@ualr.edu. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. All ASBTDC programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. The center assists companies at every stage of business development and growth. To learn more, visit .]]> State Small Business Center offering programs for Arkansans interested in starting businesses /news-archive/2017/12/01/asbtdc-starting-new-business/ Fri, 01 Dec 2017 17:39:03 +0000 /news/?p=68711 ... State Small Business Center offering programs for Arkansans interested in starting businesses]]> The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, based at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will offer a free webinar to help potential business owners know if they are ready to own a business.听 The webinar, 鈥淢oney Smart: Is Owning a Business a Good Fit for You?,鈥 will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5. The webinar will be led by Program Specialist Pamela Reed, who will discuss the myths and realities of owning a small business and the critical first steps of self assessment and setting up a plan of action. Pre-registration is required and can be completed by filling out this. Additionally, the center is offering a seminar to help those interested in starting their own business. The talk, will be held from 1-4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, in the Reynolds Business Center on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus. The class covers essential startup steps, legal business structures, regulations, licensing, key issues that affect business success, and common pitfalls that entrepreneurs face. Those interested in attending may register by. The cost is $30. 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock employees, students, and veterans may attend for free. For more information, contact Pamela Reed at 501-683-7700 or pmreed@ualr.edu. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. The center assists companies at every stage of business development and growth. To learn more, visit asbtdc.org.]]> ASBTDC to host webcast to help innovative small businesses apply for U.S. Navy grants /news-archive/2017/11/17/asbtdc-webcast-navy-grants/ Fri, 17 Nov 2017 14:34:22 +0000 /news/?p=68511 ... ASBTDC to host webcast to help innovative small businesses apply for U.S. Navy grants]]> The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, based at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will host a free webcast to help entrepreneurs learn about Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding available through the U.S. Navy and the Department of Defense. The will be shown from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, in the Reynolds Business Center Room 251 on the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock campus. The webcast will review Navy Sea System Commands’ SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program topics, for which local science and technology-driven small businesses are invited to apply. In addition, participants can sign up to have a private meeting with a Navy representative in the afternoon. The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited and pre-registration is required. to register for the event. For more information, contact Shannon Roberts at 501-683-7700 or sxroberts@ualr.edu. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with SBA through a partnership with the 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. The center assists companies at every stage of business development and growth. To learn more, visit asbtdc.org. All programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Pamela Reed at (501) 683-7700.]]> Bowen Law School hosts workshop on how to start a business in Arkansas /news-archive/2017/11/01/start-business-arkansas-workshop/ Wed, 01 Nov 2017 20:08:22 +0000 /news/?p=68426 ... Bowen Law School hosts workshop on how to start a business in Arkansas]]> Starting a new business can be a long venture filled with legal questions.听 The William H. Bowen School of Law at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the will deliver a free workshop to help clear up the legal questions associated with opening a new business in Arkansas. The workshop, 鈥淟et鈥檚 Make It Legal,鈥 will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, at the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub, 201 E. Broadway St. in North Little Rock. The Innovation Hub is partnering with Bowen鈥檚 Business Innovations Clinic to present a free workshop where participants can learn how to start, structure, protect, and maintain a new business in Arkansas. Sager Patel, a third-year law student from Kenya with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in biology from 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock, and Kristina Hallock, a third-year law student from Jacksonville with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in chemistry from the University of Central Arkansas, will lead the workshop. In 2016, Bowen received a $1 million grant from the Arkansas Attorney General鈥檚 Office to create the clinic. Students enrolled in the Business Innovations Clinic, under the supervision of Kim Vu-Dinh, visiting assistant professor of law, work closely to serve the legal needs of small businesses, innovators, and non-profit organizations. The event is free and open to the public. Fill out the to reserve a spot in the workshop]]> ASBTDC offers new tools, workshops to help small, rural business owners /news-archive/2017/10/06/asbtdc-rural-marketing/ Fri, 06 Oct 2017 13:10:50 +0000 /news/?p=68114 ... ASBTDC offers new tools, workshops to help small, rural business owners]]> This fall, the state鈥檚 rural businesses can get help identifying and targeting new customers from the . 鈥淲e want to help Arkansas small businesses, especially ones in sparsely populated areas, find and attract the customers they need to survive and prosper,鈥 said Laura Fine, ASBTDC state director. For starters, businesses can request a free Market Assessment from ASBTDC. Customizable by city or county,聽the report聽combines聽information on customer spending patterns, demographics and other traits to give business owners deeper insight into their local customer base. Through its no-cost consulting services, ASBTDC can help businesses apply the knowledge gained from the assessment and use it to identify new opportunities. ASBTDC is also rolling out two new workshops this fall and offering them free of charge in rural hub cities around the state. At 鈥淢ake a Marketing Map for Your Rural Business,鈥 participants will map out a quick-action plan to target and reach more customers. The program will also offer specific ideas for boosting sales through marketing and promotions. The two-hour workshop will be held in three locations:
  • Mountain Home, Oct. 3
  • Hot Springs, Oct. 19
  • Van Buren, Nov. 8
鈥淕row Your Sales in 5 Easy Steps鈥 will focus on how to attract the right customers. The workshop will share strategies and tools that are practical, budget friendly and effective for small and rural businesses. The two-hour program will be offered in three places:
  • Helena-West Helena, Oct. 20
  • Heber Springs, Nov. 14
  • Pine Bluff, Nov. 16
鈥淭he workshops, along with the free Market Assessment, will highlight opportunities for local businesses to grow their customer base,鈥 said Fine. To request an assessment or register for a workshop, see or call 501.683.7700. While the workshops are offered at no charge, pre-registration is required.  ]]> Singleton named to accreditation committee for America鈥檚 small Business Development Centers /news-archive/2017/10/03/singleton-accreditation-committee/ Tue, 03 Oct 2017 13:54:51 +0000 /news/?p=68111 ... Singleton named to accreditation committee for America鈥檚 small Business Development Centers]]> His three-year appointment was confirmed in September by the America鈥檚 Small Business Development Centers Board of Directors. Singleton, of Little Rock, has been with ASBTDC since 2004. He started at the Henderson State University office before moving to the Lead Center at 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock in 2007. Composed of members from across the nation, the 20-person committee oversees the accreditation process for the nationwide network of Small Business Development Centers to ensure high performance and quality services. ASBTDC assists companies at every stage of business development and growth, providing free consulting and market research services plus affordable educational events for the business community. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. All ASBTDC programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient (LEP) individuals. ]]>