Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center

Mom's Handymart
Brenda Ford, Owner
Pine Bluff, Arkansas

When the owner of B & S Handymart in Pine Bluff decided to retire and sell his business, employee Brenda Ford was eager to acquire the convenience store and gasoline business.

Ford secured approval from the fuel distributor and contacted the UAM College of Technology-McGehee Small Business Development Center. Kathryn Peacock, Center Director, assisted Ford with valuation of the business and a financing proposal of $100,000 which was approved by Pine Bluff National Bank.

Peacock assisted Ford in preparing the application for her SBA loan guarantee, as required by the bank. Ownership was transferred to Ford in August 2007, and the name was changed to Mom's Handymart. Business has been brisk, especially during the fall hunting season. "Ms. Peacock at the Small Business Development Center was knowledgeable and instrumental in helping me gather all the correct information to be successful in getting an SBA loan, so I am now the new owner of Mom's Handymart," said Ford.

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The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business and other institutions of higher education. All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. It is the goal of UALR to eliminate discriminatory harassment and to promote equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, color, national origin, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran's status, or disability.