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America’s SBDCs help make the dream of small business ownership a reality for more Americans — creating jobs and opportunities that build communities throughout the nation.
See how the Arkansas SBTDC has served its communities.
Employees Stay on the Job at Wilson Family Businesses
The Wilson family timber operation, including two logging companies, a lumber company, an equipment company, and a forestry management company, employs more than 100 people in rural Cleveland County. The coronavirus and a rainy spring slowed production. With guidance from Aimee Weaver of the UAM ASBTDC, Harrell Wilson was able to obtain nearly $2M in PPP and EIDL funding. The companies provide 115 jobs in the Rison area.
ASBTDC is a valued partner in our Rural Business Development Conferences, helping us equip rural Arkansas with the tools and resources to drive business opportunities, partnerships, and expansion.
Clevon Young, Executive Director, Arkansas Human Development Corporation
NEA Businesses Have Plans to Grow After Accelerator
Through A-State ASBTDC's new SmartGrowth Accelerator, 21 businesses in three NEA counties developed high-quality growth plans and goals for their existing businesses. "Not only have we gained qualified assistance in several different crucial areas like marketing and finance, but we have also uncovered new avenues and new opportunities that we didn't think or know of before," said Donna Wheeler, CEO of Pinnacle Marketing & Advertising in Jonesboro.
Innovative NLR Manufacturer an 'Outstanding Exporter'
Based in North Little Rock, Ecojohn manufactures efficient, environmentally friendly, waterless toilets. Ecojohn products ship globally daily. Company founder and CEO Stefan Johansson began working with ASBTDC in 2018. Ecojohn was recognized as an Outstanding Exporter at the 2020 Mid-America Trade Summit.
ASBTDC Prepares Young Entrepreneur for Success
Nathan Bailey, owner of Water Bug Agri-Plastics, was named Arkansas Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2020 by SBA. While he was a student at A-State, Bailey had an idea. With help from ASBTDC, that idea is now a real product manufactured in McGehee.
ASBTDC Connects Arkansas Innovators to SBIR/STTR Early-Stage Funding
Arkansas researchers and entrepreneurs are utilizing SBIR/STTR to grow their companies with support from ASBTDC. Our new accelerator, expert consulting, and educational events have helped clients win 53 awards worth $23M in the last five years.
$42.7M
$42.7M
PPP and other COVID-assistance funding obtained by clients with ASBTDC help (736 separate projects)
Short Line Railroad Gets Disaster Loan to Fix Track Damaged by Floods
Arkansas Short Line Railroad/D&R Railroad incurred damage to approximately one mile of track during the 2019 Arkansas River flood that inundated Dardanelle and large areas of Pope and Yell counties. The Arkansas Tech University ASBTDC helped the railroad's Tim Robbins obtain an SBA Physical Disaster Loan to repair the track and keep local companies' freight moving on the line, which employs 40 people.
Long-Time Veteran-Owned Family Business Doubles Sales with E-Commerce
Two generations of veterans own and operate Barnhill Orchards farm and market in Lonoke. ASBTDC's Timothy Lee helped fellow veteran Ekko Barnhill implement e-commerce and expand the 30-year-old business's online presence, making sales flourish despite COVID-19. The new online store and drive-thru launched at the start of strawberry season. "The whole change in sales setup has been great. We've had an overwhelming response. We at least doubled our business this year from last year," she said.
Thanks to the SAU ASBTDC for helping me navigate 2020 and all the challenges it brought. Their daily emails made it much less stressful to keep up with the changing regulations. I wouldn't make a major decision without the tools they provide.
Christy Ouei, Owner of Mule Kick, Magnolia
Bakery's Neurodiverse Workforce Rises to Challenge
Rockin' Baker in Fayetteville trains and employs neurodiverse individuals, helping them transition into permanent jobs. Self-described social 'womanpreneur' Daymara Baker started the artisanal bakery as a benefits corporation in 2016 with guidance from the local ASBTDC. When the pandemic caused her bakery to change its business model ASBTDC's webinars and weekly online forum for owners of restaurants and food businesses provided vital support and information.
