Small businesses make up 99.3% of businesses in Arkansas and support for them is vital:
of every $100 spent in local businesses, $68 stays in local economies and they employ
nearly half of Arkansas’ workforce. Small business owners are also more likely to
invest in their local communities: sponsorships, charitable contributions, etc. (Source: Arkansas House)
Our team has several programs available to provide assistance to Arkansas small businesses.
Through the Community Navigator Pilot Program, The Small Business Administration (SBA)
is engaging with states, local governments, SBA resource partners, and other organizations,
including Arkansas Extension, in targeted outreach for small businesses in underserved
communities.
The SBA stands as a hub with spokes, including Extension, to connect to specific sectors
of the entrepreneurial community to aid during economic recovery, including:
- financial assistance and access to capital
- contracting and procurement
- marketing, operations, business development, and exporting
- industry-specific training
Brandon Mathews serves an eight county region in North Central Arkansas, and a seven county region
is served by Kam Gomez.
Learn More About the SBA Navigator Grant
Celebrating REtail, Accommodations, Tourism, and Entertainment by Building Rural Innovations
and Developing Growth Economies was a pilot program to strengthen economies in rural
Arkansas by building capacity in retail, tourism, accommodations, and entertainment
sectors. We are not currently accepting applications for this program, but online
resources developed through pilot project are available for use by any community/region.
See how this program can benefit your small rural business!
(Celebrating REtail, Accommodations, Tourism and Entertainment by Leading Innovation
through WorkForce Training) is a workforce development certification focused on skills
and information for those working in retail, entertainment, accommodations, and/or
tourism sectors. Developed through CREATE BRIDGES, CREATE LIFT is a ten hour self-led
program available in both English and Spanish.
Lift Up Your Small Business
Interested in selling your goods or services to the federal, state, or local government?
Check out the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). PTAC counselors
help small businesses navigate the world of government contracting, from pre to post
award. Services offered are free of charge!
See What PTAC Can Offer
These workshops are geared toward tax preparers and tax professionals as well as any
others interested in advanced tax preparation training.
See Upcoming Training Dates
