In accordance with its mission to serve its stakeholders by actively participating in regional economic development, the University of Arkansas supports several business and professional development outreach programs. These programs are recognized statewide for their commitment to quality and their focus on customer service. We invite you to explore how these programs can assist in strengthening your business.

The Arkansas Small Business Development Center is a partnership program between the U.S. Small Business Administration, the University of Arkansas Little Rock and University of Arkansas – Fort Smith College of Business. The ASBDC provides consulting, training, research and technology services to existing and start-up businesses.

The Center for Business and Professional Development (CBPD) offers customized training, consulting, and open enrollment professional development opportunities to companies to increase their effectiveness and competitive stance by developing the skills and performance of their employees. We provide training when and where needed for employees at all levels in an organization and are committed to providing employee development that is cost-effective, relevant and applicable to current work-related issues.

The Family Enterprise Center (FEC) at the UA Fort Smith College of Business offers family businesses a learning community to meet the unique needs of the family in business. One of the goals of the Family Enterprise Center is to provide a forum to learn across family generations, to learn with your non-family professional managers, and to learn with your family members who are not actively involved in the business. Center membership provides access to practical, valuable educational programs and support which nurtures individual, family, and business performance.

Leadership Fort Smith (LFS) is an issues-oriented program designed for leaders who want to make a difference in the region. LFS broadens selected participants’ perspectives, examines community issues, expands opportunities to develop friendships from all segments of the region and strengthens leadership skills. Each year LFS selects a class of 25 individuals who are selected on the basis of demonstrated leadership ability, as well as, evidence of community interest and commitment.

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center at Fort Smith (IEC) is a joint effort of the University of Arkansas — Fort Smith, the Greater Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fort Smith, which represents their commitment to work together in addressing critical barriers to a more robust economy. For additional information about the center, please contact Michelle Hall, Executive Director at 479-242-3300 or mhall@iecfs.org.