Technology

Business Technology
The Arkansas Small Business Development Center (ASBDC) assists entrepreneurs whose business focus is on innovation, new technology development, or new applications of existing technology. Services include consulting, research, and training. All services are available at low or no cost through the ASBDC's partnership with the United States Small Business Administration and higher education institutions across Arkansas.

The ASBDC encourages entrepreneurs to subscribe to our bi-weekly e-newsletter, Tech Track, to stay informed about news and events of interest to the innovation-based business community.

Who We Serve
The ASBDC's assistance to innovation-based businesses is focused on the following:

• Entrepreneurs using engineering, science, or technology to develop products, services, or processes in their business
   
• Entrepreneurs who have ideas for innovative products or services that apply existing technology in new ways
   
• Entrepreneurs engaged in biosciences, engineering, agriculture, information technology, and similar high-tech areas
   
• Organizations supporting technology transfer and commercialization that benefits Arkansas small businesses
   
• University researchers interested in establishing new ventures to commercialize research

What We Do
The ASBDC's services are based on the individual needs of our innovation-based small business customers. Generally, they include:

• Alternative Financing
       1. Assistance in understanding and accessing R&D money
       2. Equity Financing Opportunities in the State of Arkansas: Angel Capital &
           Venture Capital
       3. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
       4. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
       5. Traditional Financing Sources
      
• ASBDC Research Resources
       1. ASBDC Web Resources
       2. GIS Mapping Software
       3. Patents, Copyrights, and Trademarks
       4. Patents in Commerce - DVD Series for Inventors
       5. Proprietary Market Research Databases
   
• Market Research
       1. Competitor Identification
       2. Demographics
       3. Industry Benchmarks
       4. Market, Customer, and Industry Analysis
   
• Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) - The ASBDC provides assistance to research-capable Arkansas small businesses to access federal R&D dollars. We help small businesses:

  1. Navigate 11 federal agencies that fund R&D projects under the SBIR/STTR     Programs. Visit SBA to access SBA's technology-related information for     SBIR/STTR.

  2. Locate Research Topics

  3. Draft their Research Proposals

  4. Review Research Proposals

  5. Find Institutional Partners to Provide Research Expertise

• Technology Business Planning
       1. Basics of Intellectual Property
       2. Business Plan Development and Plan Reviews
       3. Commercialization Assessment and Strategies
       4. Market Research and Analysis
   
• Training - The ASBDC offers a wide variety of live and online classes on topics relevant to innovation-based entrepreneurs. Training of special interest to innovation-based entrepreneurs typically includes topics related to:
       1. Intellectual Property
       2. Market Research
       3. SBIR / STTR
   

Frequently Asked Questions
The ASBDC provides answers to common questions often asked by those who need help with technology.

Additional Information & Contact Information
If you would like additional information to help you with your innovation-based business opportunities and challenges, please click here or contact:

Mildred Holley, Technology Programs Manager
Arkansas Small Business Development Center
Phone: (501) 683-7700
Phone: 1-800-862-2040 (Arkansas Only - outside Pulaski County)
Email: mxholley@ualr.edu