A-State Small Business and Technology Development Center

08/31/2026

Join the Spring River Innovation Hub and connect with local lenders to explore opportunities and build relationships for success!

08/28/2026

Join us in Cherokee Village!

Got a business idea? Ready to expand? Thinking about turning a property into a short-term rental?

Come meet the lenders who can help you make it happen — no appointment, no pressure, just good conversations.

Thursday, September 3, 2026
Drop in anytime, 5:00–7:00 PM
Spring River Innovation Hub, 7 East Cherokee Village Mall

You'll get face time with JK Home Loans, First Community Bank, Centennial Bank, FNBC, Communities Unlimited, ASBTDC, and Fort Home Loan—all in one room, all ready to talk financing, funding, and next steps for your business.

Stop by whenever works for you between 5 and 7 — no RSVP needed. See you there! Learn more at InnovateSpringRiver.org

FNBC JK Home Loans Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center Fort Home Loan Communities Unlimited Spring River Area Chamber Of Commerce Cave City Area Chamber of Commerce Meet the Lenders

08/28/2026

Client Spotlight: Kozie Komfortz

Kozie Komfortz is bringing name-brand apparel, shoes, and affordable medical scrubs to downtown Paragould. The business offers new, tagged apparel and shoes at wholesale prices, including brands such as Nike and Adidas, along with medical scrub sets for $20.

The A-State ASBTDC assisted owner Charlene Schoelerman with business planning, start-up requirements, and marketing information as she prepared to open her business.

Kozie Komfortz has now officially opened its doors at 204 North Pruett Street, Paragould, AR 72450.

Congratulations to Charlene and Kozie Komfortz on officially opening their doors in downtown Paragould!

08/27/2026

Looking for funding to start a business or expand your operations? Get practical answers about business loans, SBA loan programs, microloans, grants, and other financing options during our Funding Your Business sessions.

Newport Area Chamber of Commerce:
https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/70372441
Wednesday, Sept. 9 | 10–11:30 a.m.

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce:
https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/70372442
Thursday, Sept. 10 | 10–11:30 a.m.

Delta Center for Economic Development, Jonesboro:
https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/70372443
Tuesday, Sept. 22 | Noon–1:30 p.m.

There is no cost to attend with pre-registration. Call 870-972-3517 to register or choose your location and register using the link above.

Learn what funding options may be available and what you can do to prepare your business for financing.

This program is supported by federal funding. Full disclosures available at tinyurl.com/4wdus3tf.

08/21/2026

Client Spotlight: Book & Mortar Collective

Chris and Sarah Collier first contacted the A-State ASBTDC in 2021 while exploring the idea of opening a bookstore in Paragould. After putting their plans on hold, they returned to the A-State ASBTDC in 2026 ready to move forward.

The A-State ASBTDC provided market research, start-up information, and assistance developing financial projections to help Chris and Sarah prepare for business ownership.

Book and Mortar LLC has now officially launched and is truly a family affair.

Congratulations to Chris and Sarah on this exciting new chapter! Learn more at https://www.bookandmortarparagould.com/ or visit them at 204 N. Pruett in Paragould.

08/18/2026

Join A-State ASBTDC Business Consultant Destiny Adams at the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce for Small Business Consulting. These sessions will be held free of charge.
Call now to schedule your time: 870-972-3517
This program is supported by federal funding. Full disclosures available at tinyurl.com/4wdus3tf.

08/14/2026

Client Spotlight: Davenport Bookkeeping

Hannah Davenport contacted the A-State ASBTDC while exploring the idea of starting her own business. Discussions focused on researching the feasibility of the business, financing options, identifying a location, and other important start-up considerations.

The A-State ASBTDC also provided market research to help Hannah further evaluate the opportunity and prepare for business ownership.

Hannah has now officially launched Davenport Bookkeeping LLC and is actively working to grow her business.

Congratulations to Hannah and Davenport Bookkeeping LLC on this exciting new chapter!