Center For Economic Development
Your success is our mission
The University of Arkansas–Fort Smith Center for Economic Development is your destination for workforce and personal training, planning, and advising. We provide you with the resources and experienced partners you need to advance your business and your career. Whether starting a business, expanding into new markets, or accelerating your career – the UAFS Center for Economic Development can help you achieve your goals.
Workforce Education & Upcoming Events
The UAFS Center for Economic Development offers multiple opportunities for workforce and personal education and special events. Browse our offerings to find the sessions that are right for you.
CLICK HERE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
Training that Drives Results
Take your career or workforce to the next level with industry-driven training programs designed for professionals, businesses, and entrepreneurs. Our expert-led courses provide the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.
Explore our Training Catalog
Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center
Offers family businesses a learning community to meet their unique needs. Members have access to workshops, quarterly breakfast meetings, and peer groups.
Become a Member Today
Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center
Helps with every aspect of business creation, management, and operation for new and seasoned entrepreneurs. Receive confidential consulting and market research at no charge.
Arkansas Small Business/Tech Development Center
Reserve a Room
Host your next board meeting or corporate retreat at the UAFS Center for Economic Development!
Located in Fort Smith's vibrant Bakery District, our 10,000-square-foot facility features customizable classroom space for 120 collaboration spaces, state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities, and an executive boardroom. Our downtown location provides convenient access to excellent catering and lodging options.
Meet the Team
Your partners at the Center for Economic Development make up more than 100 years of experience in workforce and personal training, planning, and advising in River Valley industry. You’d be hard-pressed to find a challenge this dynamic team can’t help any business overcome.
Official EDA University Center
The UAFS Center for Economic Development is proud to have been designated an official University Center Program by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. The CED is one of only two recognized University Center's in Arkansas and one of 73 in the United States. As a University Center, the UAFS CED is able to collaborate with other EDA partners by providing expertise, applied research, and technical assistance to develop, implement, and support regional strategies that result in job creation, high-skilled talent pools, and business expansion
Compass Regional Economic Report
The UAFS Center for Economic Development is proud to partner with Talk Business & Politics to produce The Compass Regional Economic Report, the only independent economic analysis of Arkansas’ top four metro areas. Kendall Ross, CED executive director, provides narrative and analysis for the quarterly report, read by business and industry leaders throughout Arkansas.