Workforce Training That Works
As part of the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith Center for Economic Development, we connect education, industry, and innovation to help businesses and nonprofits grow stronger.
Why Choose the Center for Business and Professional Development
Real-World Expertise
Our instructors bring decades of leadership and industry experience to every session.
Custom Programs, Measurable Results
We align training to your goals — quality, efficiency, safety, retention — and support skill application on the job.
Flexible Delivery
Train at the Bakery District in downtown Fort Smith, on-site at your facility, or virtually anywhere.
Proven Partner
Thousands of professionals advance their skills each year through CBPD training.
At a Glance
Serving businesses and professionals across Arkansas and the nation
Workforce and professional skills training courses
Custom on-site, hybrid, and virtual training options
Course starting price
Find Funding
Featured Trainings
Our most popular programs are available as public courses or customized for your team.
Lean Six Sigma
Eliminate waste, improve quality, and empower teams with proven process improvement tools.
GRIT Leadership Series
Develop resilience, communication, and accountability in emerging leaders.
Excel for the Workplace
Organize, analyze, and present data that drives better decisions.
OSHA10 & 30 Certification
Ensure compliance and safety with authorized OSHA instructors.
Custom Training Solutions
We design programs around your goals, workforce and schedule.
“The UAFS Center for Economic Development made it easy to bring professional training
directly to our team. The instructors understood our industry and built a program
that delivered results we could measure in just a few weeks.”
Operations Manager at Manufacturer
Industries We Serve
We deliver targeted training for leaders, technicians, and front-line employees wherever work happens.
- Manufacturing
- Transportation and Logistics
- Healthcare
- Energy
- Construction
- Education
- Public Sector
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you offer customized programs?
Tell us what your team needs and we’ll design training that fits your goals, schedule and budget. - Where is training delivered?
Training takes place at the UAFS Center for Economic Development in downtown Fort Smith, on-site at your facility, or virtually. We can deliver programs anywhere in Arkansas and beyond. - What do courses cost?
Public courses start at $5 per participant. Custom training prices vary based on topic, format, and number of participants. We’ll provide a clear quote before scheduling. Need help with funding? Find out if you qualify for a workforce training grant. - How soon can we schedule a course?
Public courses are offered throughout the year. Custom programs can usually be scheduled within a few weeks, depending on instructor availability and your preferred dates.
- Who teaches the courses?
Experienced instructors from UAFS and industry lead each course. They bring real-world expertise and practical examples you can immediately apply on the job. - Can small organizations participate?
Individuals and small teams are welcome to join public courses, or we can combine groups to make custom sessions cost-effective. - What topics do you cover?
More than 40 programs across leadership, process improvement, safety, technology, and professional skills. Featured offerings include Lean Six Sigma, GRIT, Leadership, Excel, and OSHA 10 and 30 Certification. - Can training be offered outside Arkansas?
We regularly work with partners across the region and can deliver training on-site or virtually anywhere in the U.S.
Request Details on Training Programs
Questions? Contact Us.
Chelsea Cowan
- Executive Assistant/Program Coordinator
- Chelsea.CowanFREEuafs
- 479-424-5141
- Mon. - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Bakery District, 70 South 7th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
Experience Matters
Our instructors bring decades of hands-on experience from manufacturing floors, C-suite offices, and classrooms across Arkansas.