Small business owners often find themselves wearing more than one hat and in some cases, all the hats in their business.
We compiled a short list of resources that help small businesses, some you might not know about. We focused on Northwest Arkansas and Arkansas.
- ASBDTC– The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is a “university-based economic development program that assists entrepreneurs” of all experience levels. They help with every aspect of business creation, management, and operation. The ASBDTC has seven offices throughout the state and the office that serves Northwest Arkansas is at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
- NWA SCORE– Northwest Arkansas SCORE provides “free and confidential small business counseling and mentoring, seminars, workshops and other services to the region’s small business community.” The organization serves these three MSAs: Fort Smith, Fayetteville/Rogers/Bentonville and Harrison/North Arkansas.
- FORGE–Financing Ozarks Rural Growth & Economy is a community-based, revolving loan fund serving the Ozark Mountains. It is a membership organization that connects investors and borrowers.
- Startup Junkie Consulting– Startup Junkie Consulting offers completely free services to startup companies as part of their mission to “build lasting venture communities through proven programs, place-making, events and networking aimed at talent development, retention and attraction, and capital formation at all stages of the funding continuum.”
- ArkansasVeteran.com-This website offers “resources for your life and small business” for American veterans.
- IRS Small Business Tax Center–The center offers a variety of resources including information about how to file business taxes, apply for an EIN and videos on various other tax-related topics for small business owners.
- Local Trade Partners– On Time Logistics is a member of this trade organization that is a great way to get referrals and new business.
- Local Chambers of Commerce-Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Siloam Springs, and Fayetteville all have chambers of commerce and provide workshops, referrals and other resources to members.
- CRN Weekly-Creative Referral Network is just one of many free networking groups. Their main group is Friday mornings at 8a.m. at the Firehouse Subs (1364 E Augustine Ln #2). There are also free networking groups in Rogers, Bentonville, and Pea Ridge (just to name a few!).
What resources have you found that you recommend? Leave your suggestions in the comments. And of course if you have any warehousing, courier, or other logistics needs, give On Time Logistics a call!