Business and Industry | Featured | NewsMarch 04, 2025

Barrett Named Director of ASBTDC at UAFS

Written By: Rachel Putman

Ty Barrett has been named director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) Regional Office at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith, where he will lead efforts to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in the River Valley.

With more than 30 years of experience in finance and community banking, Barrett brings expertise in business consulting, loan development, and strategic planning. He most recently served as president and CEO of Spiro State Bank, where he worked for 27 years, including a decade as chairman of the board.

“I am excited to join the team at the UAFS Center for Economic Development and work with small businesses in the River Valley to ensure that they have the resources and the support they need to establish and grow a successful business,” Barrett said. “The River Valley continues to be a vibrant and growing area of Arkansas for new and existing business opportunities.”

Kendall Ross, associate vice chancellor for economic and workforce development at UAFS, said Barrett’s experience as a bank president and small business owner makes him well-suited to lead the ASBTDC.

“Ty’s leadership in banking and small business ownership gives him a deep understanding of the financial and operational challenges entrepreneurs face, making him the ideal choice to head the ASBTDC Regional Office,” Ross said. “His extensive expertise in business consulting, loan development, and strategic planning aligns seamlessly with the ASBTDC’s mission.”

In addition to his professional career, Barrett has been actively involved in nonprofit leadership, serving as vice chairman of the Carl Albert State College Development Foundation for more than 15 years and holding leadership roles with the Trinity Catholic School Foundation and Christ the King Catholic School Foundation in Fort Smith.

“The center at UAFS offers a broad range of business development services and educational events for every type of small business at no charge, so please reach out to me for assistance,” Barrett said.

Ross said the ASBTDC Regional Office at UAFS, established in 2021 will continue to serve as a hub for entrepreneurial growth under Barrett’s leadership.

“My vision is for the ASBTDC to serve as a dynamic resource center, supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from startup to expansion, and contributing to the long-term prosperity of our region—an impact that will be amplified through Ty Barrett’s leadership within the Center for Economic Development,” Ross said.

The ASBTDC provides business consulting, training, and market research services to small businesses and entrepreneurs across the state. The UAFS Regional Office serves businesses in Sebastian, Crawford, Scott, and Polk counties.

For more information about ASBTDC services, visit https://uafs.edu/ced/asbtdc/index.php

• Tags:
• Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center
• Center for Economic Development
• Community