Jonesboro Unlimited receives $700,000 grant for entrepreneurs, small business owners

Jonesboro Unlimited has been awarded a $700,000 grant to support small business development and expansion by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).

The grant will support the JumpStart Partnership, which will help local entrepreneurs and small business owners find assistance needed to get started and grow. The initiative will act as a single resource to connect entrepreneurs with service providers across Northeast Arkansas. Additionally, it will increase awareness and expand those services by providing more program opportunities, events, and advocacy at local, regional and state levels.

“Thank you to the Economic Development Administration for its continued investment in Northeast Arkansas through entrepreneurship and small business support,” said Mark Young, President and CEO of Jonesboro Unlimited. “It is an integral part of our five-year strategic plan and we look forward to better supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

The JumpStart Partnership is based on a proven model that has worked for other communities. It will increase the success rates of entrepreneurs throughout Northeast Arkansas by guiding them to the helpful services they require. The project also hopes to benefit area companies when entrepreneurs need their services.

“The JumpStart Partnership is a very exciting opportunity for Jonesboro,” said Steven Lamm, Vice President of Jonesboro Unlimited. “We look forward to supporting and enhancing the work already happening through dedicated organizations in our area.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the East Arkansas Planning & Development District (EAPDD) with funding by the EDA under the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023.