Link to printable version of page

Internet / E-Commerce Incubator

This project targeted small service and retail businesses seeking to increase sales by marketing via Internet. The initial pilot was limited to 10 businesses chosen from the entire state service area.

This was a 3-phase project:

Phase 1 (6 months)

Participants received training on Internet commerce, use of email, and on-line marketing techniques.

ASBDC personnel assisted in developing client website.

Client registered domain name for their business.

ASBDC hosted client website and/or email for 6 months.

Phase 2 (6 months)

Client Internet presence (website, email, and domain name) were moved off the ASBDC web server and on to a commercial hosting service.

ASBDC personnel continued to provide technical assistance and consulting services.

Phase 3

Client assumed all costs associated with operation of the client’s on-line business.

ASBDC continued to provide consulting services as needed.

Client sales data collected and reported.


Pilot Selection Criteria:

Product or service conducive to Internet marketing.

Potential growth in sales, employment, etc.

Potential contribution to local/regional economy.

Limited budget for advertising and marketing.

Not located in close proximity to target market.

Ability to continue after pilot study.

Geographic / industrial diversity


Past Incubator Clients

Funshine Furniture, Prescott
Makers of wood outdoor furniture including chairs, plant boxes, porch swings, and picnic tables.

Homestead Bed and Breakfast, Gentry
Southern-style farmhouse with evening desserts and hearty breakfasts

Harvest NaturalsWalnut Ridge
Manufactures wheat straw gift products, including wreaths and bird houses

Luther Dryers Gourmet Lemonade, Little Rock
Non-carbonated soft drinks in three flavors, also produces Big Texas Drinks

Money Magic, Inc., Little Rock
Entertaining educator Mary Ann Campbell, CFP, offers free money tips and video clips.

Purdy Manufacturing International, Dewitt
Makes land levelers and farming implements such as grain carts and levee squeezers

Talented Tenth, Little Rock
Motivational speaker, Cassandra Woods, brings a special message to minorities and youth.

Apache Chemical, Van Buren
Sells over 2000 janitorial, cleaning and building maintenance products with online catalog.

JW Plastering, Inc., Little Rock
Over 17 years experience installing interior drywall, stucco, and exterior EIFS.

Request, Inc, Little Rock
National author Cathy Lauro teaches you to accomplish extraordinary things!

Use our E-Commerce Tool to determine if your business is Internet ready

Use our easy-to-follow 6-step E-Commerce Guide to put your small business on the Internet!

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.