Small Business and Technology Development Center offers stimulus packet workshop with Cross County Economic Development Corporation

August 26, 2009 -- Arkansas State University’s Small Business and Technology Development Center and the Cross County Economic Development Corporation are teaming to offer a special seminar entitled, “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: What’s In It For Small Business?” The event is set for Tuesday, Sept.  1, at the Cross County Chamber of Commerce Conference Room.

The seminar will be held at the Cross County Economic Development Corporation Conference Room, 1790 North Falls Blvd in Wynne on Tuesday, September 1,   from 1-4 p.m. and again at 6-9 p.m.  The seminar is being co-sponsored by Cross County Bank, East Arkansas Planning & Development District, and First National Bank of Wynne. The cost is $35 per person or $20 for chamber members. To register contact the Arkansas State University Small Business Development Center by telephone (870) 972-3517, e-mail: lois@astate.edu, or go on-line to the ASBTDC website http://asbtdc.ualr.edu/training.

The seminar, conducted by Herb Lawrence, ASU SBTDC Center Director, will focus on key issues in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that have potential to impact small businesses in North Central Arkansas.  Specifically, the three-hour seminar will focus on new financing options available under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the stimulus packet to help increase the flow of capital to businesses, especially those that have been adversely affected by the current recession. 

“The U.S. Small Business Administration was given a major role to play under the Economic Recovery Act,” said Lawrence. “In addition to temporary improvements to their current programs, the SBA has developed several new programs aimed specifically at getting capital back in the hands of small businesses.  A large part of the workshop will be involved in explaining these programs, eligibility requirements, use of proceeds, application process and much more.”

In addition to the financing options, the seminar will also address spending programs at both the state and federal level to provide energy assistance, procurement and contracting opportunities through increased government projects as well as tax incentives that have been developed to aid small businesses.

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. For more information, visit the ASBTDC Web site at asbtdc.ualr.edu. 
 

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