Small Business Services
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at UAFS offers no-cost, one-on-one consulting and practical tools to help you plan, launch, grow, or finance your business. This page provides a quick overview of available services. To discuss your goals or explore options in more detail, contact our Executive Director, Ty Barrett, or visit the ASBTDC website.
Plan Your Business
Starting or buying a business is a big decision. ASBTDC can help you think through your idea, assess the opportunity, and put your plans into writing so lenders, partners, and customers understand what you’re building.
Business Startup
Whether you’re exploring an idea or ready to move forward, ASBTDC can help you understand licenses and permits, legal structures, tax requirements, and the steps involved in starting your business.
Business Plan
A business plan is more than a document—it’s a roadmap for how your business will operate and grow. ASBTDC can review your draft plan, provide feedback, and help you focus on the key areas lenders and investors want to see, such as your market, operations, and financial projections.
Feasibility
If you’re unsure whether your idea is ready for launch, ASBTDC can help you evaluate demand, pricing, competition, and profit potential so you can decide whether to move forward, pivot, or refine your concept.
Business Purchase
If you’re thinking about buying an existing business, ASBTDC can help you review financials, and consider the risks and opportunities before you sign. Your consultant can also help you develop a transition plan and work with lenders on financing options.
Understand Your Numbers and Funding Options
Financial knowledge is essential for both new and growing businesses. Your ASBTDC consultant can help you understand your financial position and explore funding paths that match your goals.
Financial Analysis & Budgeting
Manage your cash flow, build simple budgets, and identify your break-even point. ASBTDC can help you analyze where your money is going and determine what needs to happen to reach your financial targets.
Financing Your Business
If you’re seeking startup capital or expansion funding, ASBTDC can help you prepare financial projections, gather required documents, and get ready for lender and investor conversations.
Small Business Grants
While true grants for small businesses are rare, some programs do exist. ASBTDC can advise you about what is available, how grant programs work, and whether they fit your business goals.
Other Funding Options
Beyond traditional loans or grants, ASBTDC can help you explore additional funding sources such as investor opportunities, state programs, or specialized funding designed for certain types of businesses.
Need help comparing funding options?
Grow, Market, and Hire with Confidence
Once you're operational, new challenges arise, such as finding customers, managing staff, and positioning your business for sustainable growth. ASBTDC provides practical support at each stage.
Expansion, Growth, and Hiring
If you're planning to expand, hire staff, or open a new location, your consultant can help you evaluate costs, plan for cash flow, and understand your responsibilities as an employer. ASBTDC can also help you think through operational improvements.
Marketing
Effective marketing doesn’t require a large budget. ASBTDC helps you identify your target audience, refine your messaging, and select the right strategies—digital or traditional—to reach your customers.
Innovate and Protect Your Ideas
Businesses developing new products or technologies face unique opportunities and decisions. ASBTDC offers specialized support to help innovators move forward.
Technology Commercialization
If you're developing a new product, process, or technology, ASBTDC can help you assess market potential, identify competitors, and plan for commercialization.
Intellectual Property (IP) Protection
Protecting your ideas is essential to long-term success. ASBTDC provides educational support to help you understand patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets so you can work effectively with legal professionals.
SBIR/STTR Federal Funding
ASBTDC guides businesses exploring the federal Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs provide competitive funding for research and development with strong commercialization potential. ASBTDC can share program expectations and connect you with additional tools and trainings.
Other Innovation Funding
Some innovation-focused businesses may qualify for specialized funding programs. ASBTDC can help you explore state or federal opportunities that align with your product or research goals.
What to Expect from a Consultation
When you meet with the ASBTDC at UAFS, you’ll work one-on-one with a consultant who
will listen to your goals, answer questions, and help you outline practical next steps.
Consultations are confidential and offered at no cost.
You don’t need a polished plan—or even a finalized idea—to reach out. Many entrepreneurs begin with questions, early drafts, or a general direction. Our team is here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Visit the full ASBTDC website for tolls and statewide resources.