Happy March from ASBTDC at UA Fayetteville

Published Wednesday, March 25, 2026 1:30 pm

Upcoming Events

The Business of Child Care

Date: March 19, 2026

Time: 12:00 - 1:00 pm (CST)

Thinking of starting a daycare, pre-school, or other child care business? In this session, we'll cover the different types of child care facilities and how to set up your business the right way.

Join us online to learn about business planning, funding considerations, and the child care licensing requirements you'll need to navigate.

Presenters:

· Rita Mitchell, Business Consultant, ASBTDC

· Mary Oliver, Program Manager, Office of Early Childhood, Arkansas Department of Education

· Debra Mantione, Early Childhood Program Coordinator

Funding Your Business

Date: March 31, 2026

Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (CST)

Do you need funding to start a business or expand your operations? Are you interested in how to get a business loan? Want to know the truth about small business grants?

This session is designed to help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to business funding. We will cover specific loan programs and other financing options for both startup and existing businesses.

Topics:

· Business loan and guaranty programs, including SBA loans

· Microloans, grants, and other options

· Business funding challenges and barriers, and how to overcome them

Presenter: Wendy Orvis, ASBTDC Business Consultant

University of Arkansas ASBTDC Welcomes Rodrigo Salas to the Team!

We are happy to welcome Rodrigo Salas to our team as Innovation and Business Consultant. In his new role, he will advise entrepreneurs and small business owners on innovation, growth strategy, and market development.

Rodrigo brings over 25 years of experience in product innovation, strategic branding, and consumer packaged goods. He has led product and brand development initiatives for companies such as Cargill through his work at Cinco Strategy Group and previously held brand and strategy leadership roles at Nestlé and Dieste.

As co-founder of Kualli Foods, he built and scaled a CPG brand from concept to retail distribution. Rodrigo also serves as a program consultant for the PenFed Foundation and advises a Texas-based private equity firm on potential acquisition opportunities, while mentoring founders launching and growing businesses.

Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition Hosted by ASBTDC

Ideas for applying artificial intelligence to business challenges will take center stage at the Amazon Web Services AI Pitch Competition on April 16 at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

The prize is $50,000 in services from PREDICTif Solutions, funded by Amazon Web Services.

Hosted by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, along with UA Little Rock’s School of Business, Tech Launch, and Workforce Development Center, this contest is for Arkansas entrepreneurs with innovative ideas for transforming business operations and accelerating growth with AI.

Sign Up Here!

Meet the Intern: Colton Faulkner!

Colton Faulkner joined ASBTDC this January and has been an incredible asset to our finance team ever since. Colton is currently a Junior at the University of Arkansas pursuing a degree in Finance with a concentration in Real Estate. After graduation, he plans to launch his career in commercial real estate, eventually hoping to establish his own real estate firm.

"My experience at the ASBTDC has been phenomenal," Colton stated when asked about his internship. "There is a great sense of fulfillment in providing high-level support to local entrepreneurs and watching their businesses thrive as a result. There are so many incredibly profitable and innovative businesses operating that we often overlook in our daily lives."

In his free time, Colton enjoys fly fishing in the Ozarks or staying active on the pickleball courts. His favorite local spot in NWA is Pizzeria Ruby!

Startup Prize: Health is now accepting registrations from early-stage health and medical startups nationwide.

Founders participate in qualifying events to:

· Pressure-test their business model

· Get clarity on regulatory, reimbursement, and go-to-market questions

· Learn from experienced healthcare mentors

· Connect with investors and ecosystem partners

Founders compete in two tracks for a $10,000 cash prize — no equity taken.

Sign Up Here!

Ripple Digital Leap Forward Accelerator Applications are Open

Applications are now open for the Ripple Digital Leap Forward Accelerator, an 8-week virtual program from Accion Opportunity Fund in partnership with Ripple.

The program helps small businesses strengthen digital tools, improve operations, and grow. Participants receive expert guidance, a personalized digital roadmap, peer learning and networking, and a $10,000 grant upon graduation.

Applications close March 18th!

Apply Now!

Apply for 75Strong Business-Building Program Today

A new statewide opportunity is now available for Arkansas businesses ready to scale. The 75Strong Business-Building Program provides structured growth training across seven core business areas, from financial management to digital readiness.

All sessions are virtual, and the program is no cost, making it accessible for businesses across the state. Eligible companies include Arkansas-based businesses with $100,000–$10M in annual revenue. This is a valuable chance for local businesses to access expert support at no cost, applications are open now through April 10.

Learn more and apply here!

Client Story: Backyard Designs NWA

Backyard Designs NWA specializes in transforming outdoor spaces into custom living areas where families can gather and create lasting memories. Using the latest products and techniques, the company’s skilled team designs and builds one-of-a-kind patios, outdoor kitchens, fire features, and more throughout Northwest Arkansas.

Owner Isaac Harris saw an opportunity to acquire an established company with a strong reputation and take it to new heights. Mary Beth Brooks, former ASBTDC business consultant, guided Harris through the acquisition and transition, providing comprehensive financial analysis. Rachel Majors, ASBTDC digital marketing consultant, conducted a marketing review and assessed the company’s social media presence.

“Having an experienced, objective perspective during such a critical time gave me confidence in my decisions,” Harris noted. “Their guidance helped me move forward with clarity, avoid costly mistakes, and position the business to better serve our customers, team, and community for the long term.”

Just over seven months into ownership, Harris reports strong business performance trending in the right direction. Looking ahead, he aims to strengthen internal processes, improve efficiency, and continue delivering exceptional customer experiences. “My goal is to build a well-run, reputable company that serves families across our community, provides stable opportunities for our team, and maintains a strong reputation for integrity, craftsmanship, and trust,” Harris stated.

Read the Full Client Story Here!

Go back | Show other stories