11/13/2008
Beebe Helps Add Technology to Small Business Development Mix
by Gwen Green, ASBTDC Communications Coordinator
Gov. Mike Beebe helped Arkansas Small Business Development Center unveil a new name Oct. 27 in Little Rock.
The new name – Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center – reflects the center’s special technology accreditation and an expansion of services to innovation and technology-based businesses and entrepreneurs.
“We need to prepare our small businesses for a strong standing in a competitive 21st-century economy,” Beebe said. “Many technological innovations begin in our small businesses, and this center will support those companies and foster advances that will lead to long-term success.”
The center has developed its technology services over the last decade, adding cutting-edge market research capabilities, expanding technology training programs and creating staff positions to focus on innovation and technology. ASBTDC also specializes in helping all types of existing small businesses apply technology.
The expansion of services helped the center qualify for special technology accreditation from the national Association of Small Business Development Centers. The accreditation recognizes the center’s ability to assist clients in areas such as commercialization, research and development funding, technology transfer, intellectual property and equity financing.
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center was only the fifth small business development center in the country to earn the technology designation, said Janet Roderick, ASBTDC state director.
Roderick also announced that Mildred Holley, ASBTDC technology programs manager, is one of the first people in the nation to achieve the designation of Certified Technology Counselor from the national Association of Small Business Development Centers. To qualify, Holley participated in a rigorous process of classroom training and testing to complement her extensive consulting experience.
ASBTDC regional offices in Jonesboro, Fayetteville, Arkadelphia, Magnolia and McGehee hosted special events last week to celebrate the name change. The change extends to the center’s Web site, which can now be found at http://asbtdc.ualr.edu.
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