By Gwen Green (gagreen@ualr.edu)
Jan. 7, 2009
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Thinking about starting or expanding a business? Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center wants to help aspiring and active entrepreneurs get their businesses in gear this month.
Governor Mike Beebe has proclaimed Jan. 26-30 as the 9th annual Arkansas Entrepreneur Week, and ASBTDC will host events in 15 cities across the state aimed at helping entrepreneurs start businesses and stay competitive.
ASBTDC will offer its popular "Starting a Business in Arkansas" seminar simultaneously in 12 locations around the state on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 6-9 p.m. The seminar prepares participants for the intensive business planning process by explaining requirements for start-up businesses, keys to success and common pitfalls to avoid.
"Starting a Business in Arkansas" will be held in Arkadelphia, Batesville, Bentonville, DeWitt, Dumas, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Hope, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Magnolia and Nashville. Cost is $30 per person. Military veterans may attend at no charge.
On Thursday, Jan. 29, from 6-9 p.m., ASBTDC will host a second seminar, "Growing Your Business in Tough Economic Times," in seven locations. Focusing on Guerrilla Marketing®, cash flow and inventory management and c ustomer satisfaction and retention, the seminar will give small business owners tips for recession-proofing existing businesses.
"Growing Your Business in Tough Economic Times" seminars will be held in Batesville, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Magnolia, McGehee and Rogers. Cost is $35 per person.
As the state's premier business assistance provider, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center assists entrepreneurs at every stage of business development and growth. A partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, ASBTDC serves new, existing and innovation-based small businesses. Through a statewide network of seven offices, ASBTDC provides free consulting and market research services plus affordable training to the business community.
ASBTDC's knowledgeable, certified consultants provide one-on-one, confidential business counseling at no charge. Consulting services can be tailored to any small business venture and include market research, financial analysis and management. Offered statewide and online, ASBTDC's training programs provide current, practical information on a broad range of business topics, including writing business plans, using popular accounting software, marketing effectively, managing cash flow and utilizing technology and the Web.
For more about Arkansas Entrepreneur Week or to pre-register for "Starting Business in Arkansas" or "Growing Your Business in Tough Economic Times," contact the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at (800) 862-2040.
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