UACES Facebook Small Business Support for Arkansans
skip to main content

Small Business Support for Arkansans

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.

small business navigator

Small Business Association - Navigator Grant

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
create bridges logo

Create Bridges

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!
create lift

Create Lift

(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

Arkansas APEX Accelerator Program

Interested in selling your goods or services to the federal, state, or local government? Check out the Arkansas APEX Accelerator Program. APEX counselors help small businesses navigate the world of government contracting, from pre to post award. Services offered are free of charge!

See What APEX Can Offer

 

Top