ASU’s Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center named top in state
by July 10, 2019 10:04 pm 493 views
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at Arkansas State University has been recognized as the small business development center of the year by the U.S. Small Business Administration Arkansas District Office.
ASBTDC Director Laura Miller, lead business consultant Robert Bahn and business consultant Sydney Rebstock were recognized for their assistance to the small businesses in their service territory. The award was presented at the Small Business Impact Awards luncheon hosted by the Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce.
“To be recognized for our work with small businesses is truly an honor,” Miller said. “We couldn’t do all that we do without the support of our stakeholders, sponsors and clients.”
Criteria for the honor included achieving performance milestones; helping new and established small businesses increase revenues and create/retain jobs through innovative programs and events; and supporting local and regional small business and economic development by advancing opportunities for entrepreneurial development and educating the community about SBA programs and services.
“We are lucky to have such a robust resource here in Arkansas for our small businesses,” added SBA Arkansas district director Edward Haddock. “A-State’s commitment to excellence is apparent when you look at their track record of providing $14.8 million in capital access and helping create 26 new businesses in their territory in 2018.”
The ASBTDC is a university-based economic development program that assists entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned. Part of the Neil Griffin College of Business, the center serves start-up and existing businesses in 16 counties in Northeast and North-Central Arkansas and operates as a regional office of the ASBTDC statewide network.
ASBTDC works with all types of for-profit businesses, from home-based to high-tech, with every aspect of business creation, management and operation.
Consultants provide confidential one-on-one consulting at no charge. Additionally, the center offers research and industry information to help small business owners develop strong business and marketing plans. The center also offers free or low-cost seminars that cover a variety of topics, from startup planning, to marketing, to funding.