Page 15 - Technology Development Center News Today

Mariana Alvarez did not want to miss an opportunity to expand Naguara, her food truck business. After talking with the small business center at the U of A, Alvarez added a second truck, marketing and lots of success. 

An organization with ECU and students from a Washington elementary school are presenting their business ideas to Sharks this morning.

Central Arkansas companies are getting more creative to overcome escalating interest rates and higher construction costs that have taken hold in the commercial real estate market in the first quarter of the year.

Employee Excellence awards were presented to Mary Beth Brooks, director of the Small Business and Technology Development Center at the U of A, and Lori Lieblong, business consultant for the center.

Mary Beth Brooks, director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at the U of A, talks about the work that the center does to support independent businesses.

Three years ago, then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson signed legislation requiring high school students to take a computer science course before graduating, an effort pushed by the governor to develop an advanced workforce with some technical capabilities.

Primary areas of assistance include business planning, financial analysis, market research, loan proposals, growth and expansion marketing, and profitability.

If you’re interested in growing a business, there’s an opportunity for you.

Brandon Hamilton saw potential for a salon and spa as part of a new development in Springdale. Working with the Small Business and Techhnology Development Center, he opened the business in 2022.

Since 2018, App State’s Small Business and Technology Development Centers in Boone and Hickory have developed small businesses across 14 counties.