UAFS Center for Economic Development

UAFS Center for Economic Development Building the people who build your business...Contract training, open enrollment professional development courses, and consulting.
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NEXT WEEK❗❗How can philanthropy strengthen not only a community, but also the long-term legacy and leadership of a famil...
06/19/2026

NEXT WEEK❗❗

How can philanthropy strengthen not only a community, but also the long-term legacy and leadership of a family business?

Join the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center for our June Quarterly Breakfast:

Philanthropy with Purpose – Strengthening Legacy and Leadership in Family Enterprise

Presented by First National Bank (F1RSTNB) Trust & Wealth Management, this breakfast will explore how intentional, structured philanthropy can support:
• family values
• next-generation leadership development
• succession planning
• governance
• long-term enterprise legacy

The morning will feature a brief presentation followed by an interactive panel discussion with experienced leaders in wealth management, estate planning, tax strategy, governance, and philanthropy.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
8:00 – 9:30 AM
UAFS Center for Economic Development at The Bakery District

Enjoy breakfast, networking, and a thoughtful discussion designed specifically for family business leaders and advisors.

Reserve your seat today: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofArkansasFortSmithCenterforEconomicDevelopment/events/jwfec-june-quarterly-breakfast-2026

This week, Justin Smith, Director of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center at the UAFS Center for Economic Developmen...
06/18/2026

This week, Justin Smith, Director of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center at the UAFS Center for Economic Development, had the opportunity to present at the Family Business Directors Alliance annual conference in Denver, Colorado.

His presentation, Beyond the Banquet: Building a Signature Experience for Your Center, shared lessons learned from developing the Center's Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards into a signature event that has become a gathering place for family-owned and small businesses throughout our region.
The conference brought together family business center directors from across North America to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovative approaches to serving family enterprises.

In addition to presenting, participants visited several multigenerational family businesses, including the original creator of the western snap-button shirt, now a fourth-generation company that continues to balance tradition and innovation.

We are proud to see the work of the Jim Walcott Family Enterprise Center recognized on a national stage and grateful for the opportunity to share Northwest Arkansas and River Valley success stories with colleagues from across North America.

Be looking for this year’s nomination information very soon for the annual UAFS CED Excellence in Family and Small Business Awards! 👀

Thank you to Kimberly Randle with the Arkansas Apex Accelerator and Suzanne Terrazas with the SBA Arkansas District Offi...
06/17/2026

Thank you to Kimberly Randle with the Arkansas Apex Accelerator and Suzanne Terrazas with the SBA Arkansas District Office for an excellent presentation on Government Contracting and Federal Certifications for Your Small Business.

We appreciate your time and expertise! 🦁

❗NEXT WEEK ❗Want to market your business more effectively and actually know what’s working? Join us for this practical s...
06/17/2026

❗NEXT WEEK ❗
Want to market your business more effectively and actually know what’s working? Join us for this practical session focused on building a goal-oriented marketing strategy that helps grow your business.

Learn how to set meaningful goals, identify the right marketing metrics, define your audience, and create a plan that maximizes your time and resources.

Presented by Ty Barrett, UAFS ASBTDC Director.

Register today: https://www.vanburenchamber.org/events/details/biz-matters-maximize-your-marketing-strategy-6841?calendarMonth=2026-06-01

Want to sharpen your Excel skills this summer? We offer Excel I, II, and III classes throughout the season to help you b...
06/16/2026

Want to sharpen your Excel skills this summer? We offer Excel I, II, and III classes throughout the season to help you build confidence and improve efficiency in the workplace.

Whether you’re learning the basics or advancing your data and spreadsheet skills, there’s a class for you. Get in on this and register today!

View upcoming class dates here: https://uafs.edu/ced/upcoming-events.php

Our upcoming Maintenance classes are right around the corner — and you don’t want to miss out!We’ve got both AM and PM c...
06/15/2026

Our upcoming Maintenance classes are right around the corner — and you don’t want to miss out!

We’ve got both AM and PM class options available to fit your schedule, making it easier than ever to gain hands-on skills and training this summer.

📅 July is coming up fast — secure your spot today!
💰 Don’t forget to ask about available grant funding opportunities that may help cover your training costs.

We had so much fun at the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce today! 💙
06/11/2026

We had so much fun at the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce today! 💙

Take control of your work and personal life with our 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course this July.Based on the b...
06/11/2026

Take control of your work and personal life with our 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course this July.

Based on the best-selling book by Stephen R. Covey, this class focuses on personal effectiveness, leadership, communication, and working successfully with others. Many participants find these principles truly life-changing — and the book is included!

Thursdays, July 9–30
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Registration Fee: $359

Register today: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofArkansasFortSmithCenterforEconomicDevelopment/events/7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-july-2026

What an incredible turnout for Get on Board!We were thrilled to see so many community and business leaders connect with ...
06/09/2026

What an incredible turnout for Get on Board!

We were thrilled to see so many community and business leaders connect with local nonprofits to explore meaningful board service opportunities.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, participated, & helped make this event such a success. We loved seeing new connections being made and conversations that will help strengthen the nonprofit sector across our region.

Together, we're building stronger boards, stronger organizations, and a stronger community. 💙🦁

❗FREEInterested in growing your business through government contracting? Join us on June 17 from 2–3 PM for an informati...
06/09/2026

❗FREE
Interested in growing your business through government contracting?

Join us on June 17 from 2–3 PM for an informative session covering SBA small business certifications, including WOSB, SDVOSB/VOSB, 8(a), SDB, and HUBZone programs. Learn about eligibility requirements, registration processes, and free resources available to help strengthen your government contracting opportunities.

Register: https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/70372516

Address

70 S. 7th Street Suite D, At The Bakery District
Fort Smith, AR
72901

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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