The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is the first and best resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs, helping start and grow businesses that in turn strengthen and sustain the economy and communities of Arkansas. The ASBTDC applies creative approaches that stimulate entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business growth through the higher education system, resulting in measurable economic outcomes.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center serves and equips the state’s small business and entrepreneurial community, fostering economic development and impact.
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The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is a university-based economic development program that assists entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned. We help with every aspect of business creation, management, and operation.
Through our six offices around the state, ASBTDC works with all types of for-profit businesses, from home-based to high-tech. You can receive one-to-one confidential consulting and cutting-edge market research at no charge, or expand your expertise by participating in our affordable training.
As the state’s premier business assistance provider, the ASBTDC is dedicated to helping small businesses achieve success and to promoting economic development throughout the state. Click here to see our results.
Unique among Arkansas economic development organizations, ASBTDC serves businesses from any county in Arkansas, in any industry sector, at any stage of business development.
Mission and Vision
James (Jim) L. Guhl is the Director of the Arkansas Small Business Development and Technology Center at Arkansas Tech University. Previously, Jim worked for Walmart Stores and SAMS Clubs for a total of 34 years serving in varies compacities, including Operations Compliance, Asset Protection, Special Investigations, Insurance Fraud, and Membership and Marketing. Prior to his Walmart career, he worked as a police officer and criminal investigator for the Russellville Police Department for six years and as a special investigator and polygraph examiner for the Fifth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for three years. Jim served six years in the Arkansas Air National Guard as a staff sergeant. In the past, he has owned and operated two small restaurants – one in Bentonville, Arkansas and one in Russellville, Arkansas. Jim graduated from Arkansas Tech University with a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Management. Jim has a Master of Business Administration degree, in Business Management and Economics, from Webster University. Jim can be contacted at (479-356-2067 or via email at jguhl@atu.edu
Matt Lundy is a business consultant for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center. He has been with the center since 2023. Matt grew up in an entrepreneurial home. Dad built and maintained the structures and mom ran the three businesses including an entrepreneurial newspaper and networking group called the Small Business Entrepreneur where he produced the monthly paper. We consulted with the MBA program at the University of Notre Dame as part of their Capstone and being a part of that process sparked his interest in helping small businesses succeed. Professionally he worked in Finance, and Accounting, HR, and Payroll, for a medium, now large sized online institution. Earlier in life was a mortgage broker, until about 2008, and much earlier a truck driver (local). He holds a bachelor degree from Bethel University, and an MBA from Colorado State University. Matt can be reached at (479) 356-2077 or mlundy@atu.edu.
Neither the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center nor the U.S. Small Business Administration provides grant funding to small businesses. The ASBTDC does not recommend you base your small business financing objectives on obtaining grant funding. However, if you are interested in searching for specific grants, consider the following resources.
The U.S. Small Business Administration has several loan programs that can assist new or existing small businesses.
International Trade Administration (Website)
Links to articles and resources are intended for educational purposes. Any reference obtained from this server to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement by the ASBTDC or Arkansas Tech University. And, the views and opinions expressed in any referenced document do not necessarily state or reflect those of the ASBTDC or Arkansas Tech University.
ASBTDC is a university-based economic development program that assists Arkansas entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned. We help with every aspect of business creation, management, and operation. Through our eight offices around the state, ASBTDC works with all types of for-profit businesses, from home-based to high-tech.
Our knowledgeable staff can provide guidance, recommendations, and resources that are specifically designed to meet your needs, whether you are a prospective or current small business owner. Most services are available at no cost. Primary areas of focus include business planning, business expansion and growth, financing, marketing, management, market research, and training.
No, the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center does not provide loans or grants for small businesses.
One of the most important things to do before starting your own business is to determine whether or not your business idea is feasible. You must research your idea to ensure that your business has a favorable chance for success, will meet your expectations, and will provide an adequate reward for the risk involved. It is wise to validate your beliefs about your business concept through research and careful planning because you will not have time to do it once you start your business.
As you begin, the ASBTDC recommends that you attend one of our startup classes in your area.
In addition, see our Business Startup resources and tools available on this website.
Typically, new businesses are based on the owner’s interest or passion, since business ownership requires a big investment of time and resources. Having previous skills or knowledge relevant to a particular trade or industry is also a plus when considering what kind of business to start. Regardless of the type of business, you must determine whether adequate demand exists for the product/service you will offer.
As to whether to buy or start a business, consider your goals and potential return on investment.
An existing business should have established procedures and processes, operations, reputation, and a customer base. These are assets – and the reason existing businesses frequently sell at a premium. If the business is lacking in these areas (and priced accordingly), beware. Also, an existing business may have “baggage” that can cause problems for the future owner.
A new business can start with a clean slate. While it may take less money to start a new business than it does to purchase a going concern, it takes time and can be very difficult to build the business. The new business also has no track record on which to base decisions. Significant working capital is often required to grow a new business.
The bottom line is that every business purchase situation is different and should be carefully evaluated on its own merits.
As with any other business, you should first determine whether or not the business idea is feasible.
A special consideration for home-based businesses is proper zoning approval and a business license. Check with the city or county clerk to find out the zoning laws for your particular area and licensing requirements.
In addition, since your homeowner’s policy may not provide coverage for business activities, check with your insurance agent about adequate coverage for your home-based business and related assets. You may also consider working with an accountant to determine the tax implications of having a home office.
Most Arkansas businesses will be required to obtain a license. Review Business Startup – Licenses and Permits for a basic overview of requirements. For more information, contact your local city or county clerk’s office.
Some occupations and industries in Arkansas further require specialized licenses and permits. For example, restaurants must seek approval from the Arkansas Department of Health. Contact the governing board or agency that oversees your particular occupation/industry.
A Doing Business As (DBA) Certificate is required for any sole proprietorship or general partnership operating under a fictitious name or business names other than the owners. Register in the county where the business is located. The DBA Certificate records the full name and address of the business owner, and the fictitious name and is kept on file at the county clerk’s office. There is a nominal fee that varies from county to county.
To do a business name search for a sole proprietorship or partnership, contact the county clerk’s office in the county where the business is located. The records are open to the public, so you can check to make sure the name is not currently being used in that county.
To do a statewide business name search for a corporation, contact the Arkansas Secretary of State’s office at 501.682.5151.
If you need to write a business plan, you are in the right place. The ASBTDC has a wealth of information regarding business planning, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
A great way to start would be to attend one of the business plan seminars that we offer throughout the year.
We encourage you to use the ASBTDC To The Point Business Plan Outline, and our can serve as a guide as you write your business plan. Once you have a draft plan, we can review it and offer feedback. Contact your nearest ASBTDC office to schedule an appointment.
The length of time needed to craft a business plan and get a loan varies from plan to plan and person to person. Several factors that affect how quickly your business plan can be completed include the scope of the research required for the plan and the length of time a bank will take reviewing the plan.
There is no one right way to write a business plan, so don’t get caught up in trying to make your plan look like someone else’s. The goal is not to produce a boring document. Instead, focus on assessing key areas of your business and developing a strategy for success.
The loan application and approval process differ in each situation. The size of the loan request, complexity of the project, and participation in guaranty programs are factors that may affect the length of the application and approval process.
Financial projections are estimates of the financial future of your business. Creating financial projections is an important step in determining the feasibility of your business. To ensure sufficient cash is available for operations, you must be aware of your business’s current and future financial position.
Additionally, financial projections are a critical part of your business plan and/or loan proposal. Although the numbers are based on estimates, do not consider such projections as “a guess.” Research plays an important role in accurately determining future sales and costs.
The projections serve as a basis for planning and are likely to change as more information becomes available. Creating financial projections may seem intimidating. It is important to remain conservative as you develop them. In other words, understate revenues and overstate costs.
To our knowledge, there is no grant money available for starting a small business. In some cases, grants may be available for existing small businesses, usually for a very narrow purpose, such as a lunch program for a day care or research and development for technology businesses.
Most small business owners have to look to personal resources and loans to finance their small business. Nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organizations are the most likely candidates to receive grant monies.
Obtaining a small business loan is not the same as getting a personal loan. It is much more challenging to obtain a loan for a small business than a loan to purchase a home or car.
You should not assume that just because you easily obtained a personal loan that you'll be able to obtain a small business loan. Business loans typically take more time, require more documentation, and are more highly scrutinized.
The ASBTDC can help you throughout the business loan process. We can assist you with preparing a loan proposal containing the information that lenders (and SBA) need as they consider your loan request.
We can also provide information about what lenders consider when evaluating a potential small business loan and can guide you through the process of assembling a good business plan and/or loan proposal that presents your plans clearly. If you already have a proposal, we can offer feedback on its contents and any modifications that may be advisable.
Lenders often refer loan applicants to the ASBTDC. In addition to helping with your business plan and loan proposal, we can answer other small business questions, provide guidance on the project’s feasibility, or gathering information about the industry or market.
Please note, the ASBTDC is not a decision maker in the lending process. We cannot influence a lenders or the SBA’s decision about your loan or negotiate on your behalf when you apply for a business loan. The ASBTDC does not have any money to loan to individuals or businesses.
An SBA loan is a loan that has been guaranteed (backed) by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The guarantee assures the lender that it will be repaid a portion of the money it loans even if the borrower fails to repay the loan.
As a business owner, you will make a request to a lender (usually your local bank) for funds needed for your business plans. The lender will evaluate your request and decide whether it can make the loan to you on its own. If a lender feels the request has merit but cannot make the loan without additional support, then the lender can request a SBA guarantee. SBA considers issues such as collateral, credit, equity, and loan repayment ability when making a determination on a loan.
SBA does not provide grants to small businesses. With the exception of disaster loans, SBA does not provide direct loans. More information on SBA loans can be found at sba.gov.
How much you can borrow is a decision that rests with your lender. Some criteria your lender will consider are how much money your business plan says the project will require, how much collateral or personal investment you are willing to put into the business, and, to some extent, your personal credit history.
As you develop a business plan, you must gather the appropriate financial data to make informed projections regarding startup costs (or expansion costs for existing businesses). These projections should show you how much you need to borrow and help you determine your ability to repay the debt.
You are unlikely to obtain 100% financing for your project from a lender. Lenders expect the borrower to share some of the risk and typically require an individual to cover at least 20% of the financing cost to start a business. Some banks will require an even larger owner equity injection depending on the industry or type of business.
When making a decision on a small business loan request, lenders consider a variety of factors, including cash (equity), amount of loan request, collateral, credit, business plan, repayment ability, and project feasibility. Each of these factors is important and can influence the loan decision.
When making a decision on a business loan, your lender will consider your personal credit history. Poor personal credit can be the basis for declining a business loan.
Consider getting a copy of your personal credit report to gain a better understanding of your credit history. If you have credit problems, you may need to rebuild your personal credit before applying for a business loan.
Consumer Credit Counseling of Arkansas offers free budget and credit counseling. CCOA also can provide a credit report review.
Your ability to obtain financing, such as a bank loan, to purchase a business depends on a variety of factors. These include your personal financial situation, the cash flow of the business, available collateral, business history and expectations for the future, and business purchase price.
The lender will analyze the business, the borrower, and the structure of the deal to determine whether or not to provide financing.
While deciding whether to purchase an existing business, you must thoroughly investigate the business and obtain information from the seller. See ASBTDC’s Buying a Business Checklist as a starting point for the investigation process.
You need accurate financial statements/tax returns on the business in order to make an informed decision about buying it. Should the seller tell you that the business has unreported cash sales, beware! Inaccurate reporting to tax agencies is dishonest and illegal. Seller claims of unreported sales should never be counted to determine the cash flow of a business. These claims are unreliable at best.
When making a purchase decision, the buyer should rely on financial information which can be documented (i.e. tax returns, accountant-generated financial reports). Lenders only consider documented financial information.
You should obtain a copy of the franchise agreement and review it carefully. You should also determine if you’ll be required to pay the entire franchise fee, transfer fee, royalty fees, or advertising fees.
In most cases, the franchise will have to approve the transfer or sale of the franchise. If you are seeking an SBA loan, it is important to determine if the franchise is one which is eligible for SBA financing.
For more information, see the SBA Franchise Directory.
The Arkansas APEX Accelerators is an organization through which you can learn about and access the government marketplace. The center offers consulting and information to help your business become a successful government contractor. Call 501.671.2390 to learn more.
The ASBTDC's lead center in Little Rock offers market research services free of charge to our small business clients. Our capabilities and tools are typical of those affordable only to larger firms. We provide our clients with the highest quality data and analysis they need to make sound business decisions.
The ASBTDC subscribes to proprietary market research databases and has licensed special mapping software. These tools can give business owners an extremely effective visual representation of the marketplace. We can help business owners better understand their potential customers, what motivates their purchasing decisions, and who will be their competitors.
The ASBTDC specializes in gathering and applying market intelligence to solve real-world business problems. We can help clients identify the best location for a new store, improve the effectiveness of direct mailings, find an under-served niche, and much more. As a member of the university community, the ASBTDC has access to a wide range of academic libraries and research institutes.
Contact us to find out how we can assist you with market research. Call (479) 356-2067. This is a free service provided by the ATU ASBTDC.
City Data offers rich profiles of U.S. cities. The information available includes the latest real estate and home prices and sales trends, home value estimator, maps and graphs, satellite photos, demographics, geographical data, and more.
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Federal Certification For Your Small Business July 7 2 - 3:30 p.m. Register Here |
Starting a Business in Arkansas July 22 9 - 10 a.m. Register Here |
QuickBooks Online: Basics and Beyond August 12, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Info coming soon |
Registration and Fees: Seminar fees may be paid by check, cash, money order, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover). Payment must be received before your space is guaranteed in a class. Fee must be remitted no later than three working days before the actual seminar date unless otherwise stated.
Refund Policy: Refunds are available on cancellations received up to 48 hours prior to seminar. If a 48-hour cancellation notice is not received, seminar credit can be applied to another seminar within the current calendar year. If the ATU SBTDC cancels a seminar, notification will be sent by email and refunds will be issued. Substitutes are welcome.
Discount Policy: Subject to space availability, faculty, staff and students of ATU may attend seminars at no cost.
Accommodation Policy: Reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities and individuals with limited English proficiency (LEP) will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact Jim Guhl at 479.356.2077.
Inclement Weather Policy: Seminars will not be held if public schools in cities where seminars are scheduled
are closed due to inclement weather. Check your local television or radio stations
for school closings.
Event Policy: Due to the current uncertainty of COVID-19 mandates, in-person events may be switched
over to a virtual event. Registrants will be notified if this occurs.
Interested in specialized training in manufacturers? Check out upcoming AEDC Manufacturing Solutions events - click here
Building a Life, Planting Seeds
Hay found a job in the area, and within a few months she met her husband, Myat Thaw, and they had three children. Even as she focused on raising her family, a dream was quietly taking shape.
Hay had always wanted to own her own business.
Her father, who passed away in 2016, was a model of determination for her. Before his death, he had fulfilled his own dream of becoming a homeowner in America.
From both her mother and father, Hay learned a philosophy she still carries: “Have a focused mindset, be passionate about what you want to do, and go ahead and do it rather than just think about it.”’
A Market for Her Community
The Karen people are an indigenous culture native to Myanmar. With approximately 200 Karen families living in the Clarksville area, Hay saw a clear and underserved need for a market offering authentic Asian products with an emphasis on Karen food staples. She was confident the community would support it.
Using personal savings and investments from family members, Hay began the process of making her vision real.
Hay’s husband and her sister Dee Paw became essential partners, helping with everything from planning to daily operations. Her children pitched in too—arranging products on the shelves and, as Hay shared with a smile, “sampling the snacks.”
On Nov. 1, 2025, Hay Blessed Karen Asian Market LLC officially opened its doors at 229 E. Market St. in Clarksville.
The market offers numerous products, including fish, meats, packaged snacks and ready-to-eat foods, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
The ASBTDC Partnership
The Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce referred Hay to the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center. Hay connected with the Arkansas Tech University ASBTDC, and the partnership proved transformative.
The center’s consultants guided her through the licensing and startup requirements, helping her understand every step needed to open legally and confidently.
“I did not know what licenses were required or how to obtain them. Because of the ASBTDC, I was able to establish my business. I want other people who want to start a business to know about the ASBTDC,” she said.
Hay attributes her success to two things: her own willingness to learn and the support she received from the center at ATU.
Her story—from a refugee camp on the other side of the world to a business owner in Arkansas—is a powerful reminder of what resilience, family, and the right support system can accomplish. And she wants the community to know, “The ASBTDC is there for anyone ready to take that first step.”
With a shared passion for community and good food, Valentin and Maria Ceballos wanted to encourage a vibrant food truck culture in Russellville. They started Street Eats Food Truck Park LLC to be a convenient destination where customers could enjoy a variety of food vendors all in one place. Open since January 2026, Street Eats operates on Fridays and Saturdays, with a long-term vision of expanding to seven days a week.
Partnering with ASBTDCAs first-time business owners, the couple sought guidance from friends and family, including Valentin’s parents, who served as mentors and advisers. They also connected with the Arkansas Tech University ASBTDC, and the partnership proved to be a turning point. The center’s consultants assisted them with the planning and preparation needed to launch their business. “We could not have been as successful without the assistance of the Arkansas Tech University ASBTDC. The consultants made us feel like family,” said the couple. The Ceballos family credits the ASBTDC team with supporting them every step of the way, and they happily refer other aspiring business owners to the center.
The road to opening wasn’t without challenges. They knew they wanted to be on the west side of Russellville, and finding the right location took time. In April 2024, they bought the property knowing it sat in a flood zone and would require them to build up the truck park to meet safety and regulatory standards. After plans finally got approved in April 2025, three months of constant rain stalled the critical dirt work needed to prepare the property. Once the dirt work was finally completed, the project gained momentum. Valentin took a hands-on approach to keep costs under control, personally building the handicap-accessible ramp and deck.
Creating a Community SpaceTheir concept is straightforward. They rent spaces for food trucks to park on-site, giving customers the experience of a food hall in an outdoor setting. Street Eats has ample seating for guests, plus utility access and storage space for vendors. Located at 1412 W. C St., the paved lot is near bustling medical, commercial, and residential areas.
To learn more about the business, visit the Street Eats Food Park Facebook page.
For Lacey and Damon Redman, opening an indoor/outdoor sports training facility wasn’t just a business decision—it was the culmination of a lifelong dream. Growing up, both Lacey and Damon had a deep-rooted love for sports, and their passion only grew as their own children came along. When they realized they passed their love for sports down to their kids, the couple decided starting a facility where young athletes could hone their skills was the right path for their family. This led to the construction of a brand new building and opening of Redman Sports and Event Center in Dover in August 2024.
Turning a Childhood Dream into Reality“The idea for this business has been in our hearts since childhood,” says Damon. “Both of us grew up playing sports, and it’s been a huge part of our lives. We always knew we wanted to give back to the community in a way that nurtures young athletes.” One day, watching their children exhibit the same fire and appreciation for sports, they made their decision. The Redmans knew they wanted to create a place where area youth could come together, train, and have fun. “We wanted to build a facility that not only helped kids sharpen their skills but also fostered a sense of belonging and community,” Lacey adds. “We prayed a lot about it, and faith has been the cornerstone of this entire journey. We knew we were going to face challenges, but our belief in the vision pushed us forward.” With that foundation, the Redmans set out to bring their dream to life, understanding the road would require a lot of hard work and sacrifice along with the support of their loved ones.
Community Engagement Through Social MediaAs they moved forward with their business, Lacey and Damon found the community’s excitement for the facility matched their own. “We decided to test the waters by posting a few things on Facebook to gauge interest,” Lacey explained. “The response was overwhelming. Our social media presence grew rapidly, and we hadn’t even fully launched. That was confirmation that there was a real need for this type of facility in our area.” Social media has become their most valuable marketing tool. This grassroots approach allowed them to spread awareness organically.
Support from the ASBTDCThe Redmans appreciate the support they received from the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas Tech University. “Our advisor, Matt Lundy, has been invaluable,” says Damon. “The guidance, experience, and resources he’s provided have been life-changing for our business.” From checklists to operational advice, Lundy helped them navigate the complexities of starting a business. He gave us the blueprint for long-term success,” Lacey adds. “Everything from attendance tracking to financial algorithms. His advice on what works and what doesn’t, backed by real-life examples, was priceless.” The guidance they received from the ASBTDC gave the Redmans the tools to push forward and stay focused on the long-term vision of their facility.
Lessons LearnedStarting their own business has come with challenges, and the couple approached them with planning and persistence. “The biggest lesson for us has been that no one is going to do it for you,” Lacey says. “The level of independence and responsibility is far greater than we anticipated. Working for yourself is amazing, but it also means that everything is on your shoulders.” When asked what advice they would give to those considering starting their own business, Damon offered practical guidance. “Thoroughly research your market and competition. Validate your business idea with potential customers, and make sure you have a solid business plan,” he said. “Most importantly, seek guidance from mentors like the ASBTDC and other entrepreneurs.” Lacey agrees, adding that learning from both successful and failed business stories can provide invaluable insights. “Surround yourself with like-minded people and ask lots of questions,” she said. “This journey is going to be tough, but if you’re willing to put in the hard work, it will be worth it.”
As the Redmans continue to grow their business, they remain focused on their original goal: to provide a space where young athletes can develop their skills and foster a lifelong love of sports. The facility is equipped with batting cages, weights, and other equipment indoors. Event packages for children’s birthdays, private lessons for softball and baseball, and occasional skills camps are also offered. With the community behind them, faith guiding their steps, and the support of organizations like the ASBTDC, the future of Redman Sports and Event Center looks like a home run.
Visit Redman Sports and Event Center on Facebook.
At just 27 and 30 years of age, Jairo Zameza and Erika Nava (ATU alum) own and operate three businesses. The husband and wife team owns Airtech Heating and Cooling LLC, EZ Event Rentals LLC, and Erika Nava LLC.
It all started with Erika’s belief that her true purpose lay outside of pursuing a job in the field of the degrees she earned in Early Childhood Education and Spanish Education. Her pivotal moment came when she assisted a friend in studying for a real estate exam. After months of dedicated preparation, she ended up taking the exam herself to help motivate her friend and actually passed the test. This unexpected turn of events ignited Erika's passion for real estate. Over the past five years in real estate, Erika has achieved remarkable success. In fact, in 2023 she distinguished herself as a top producer and earned recognition as Quarterly Top Producer and was nominated for Realtor of the Year.
Airtech Heating and Cooling came about over time and through hard work. Jairo had been working at Airtech for years, getting to know the trade and the customers. Through all this, he had always thought of self-employment as the goal, but he never thought the opportunity would arise. After eight years of rising from helper, to installer, to lead, to service tech, and to service manager, the owner decided to offer Jairo a chance to buy the business. After many obstacles and rejections, a deal was made. “We couldn't be happier that we tried,” said Jairo.
The couple first came to the ASBTDC for assistance with the Airtech Heating and Cooling business purchase project. Their business consultant, Ronda Hawkins, performed financial analysis on the existing business, advised on financing options, and assisted with projections to ensure the business could support the purchase price.
EZ Event Rentals came to life alongside last April’s solar eclipse. The couple saw a high demand for portable bathrooms, so they purchased 16 units to make available to rent. Their first customer was the City of Dardanelle, which used their services for the whole weekend of the eclipse. They started looking at other rental companies in the area and saw that most did not offer tents. So, they bought out a local company that had commercial and industrial grade event tents. EZ Event Rentals now offers chairs, tables, chair covers, table covers, and tents along with their portable bathrooms. “We have been blessed to provide our services for several events such as weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, and other get-togethers. EZ Event Rentals is unique in the rental industry, because we offer more than the others. We do all the setup and take down to make it easy for our customers. Our name says it all,” remarked Erika.
Jairo and Erika came back to the ASBTDC for assistance with the EZ Event Rentals startup project to get marketing ideas and to ensure that everything they did was in compliance with the appropriate agencies. “The most helpful assistance we received was marketing advice and the information about starting a small business,” said Erika.
The couple agreed that the main reason they have all these businesses, plus their rental properties, has been through not wanting opportunities to slip by.
“None of these businesses were ever really planned. As the opportunities came, we saw a need and wanted to make sure we took these opportunities and filled those needs. We also want to let our generation and community know that if a bunch of kids from humble backgrounds can do it, they can too as long as they apply themselves and take a risk,” said Jairo.
“It’s not always easy, especially with a four-year-old child, but we are blessed to have a supportive village of family to help. Owning our businesses allows us to set our own hours and take off from work when we want, which helps make it all work,” said Erika.
When asked what advice they would give to someone interested in starting a business, they replied, “Always do your research, there’s so much to businesses that people don't think about when they start out that usually ends up breaking them. Always have a plan B. Being in business is risky, but there's no reason to walk a tightrope without a safety net. We all fail, it's part of life. But, the more you're prepared for it, the less painful the fall.”
Airtech Heating and Cooling LLC has locations in Dardanelle at 1825 State Highway 22 and at 1134 S. Rogers Street in Clarksville. Learn more about EZ Event Rentals at www.thateazy.com and Erika Nava, Realtor on Facebook.
In the heart of Clarksville, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee is in the air. A new retreat for coffee lovers has emerged. Kurt Miller opened Diamond Drip Coffee Co in December of 2023. With a welcoming atmosphere, locals savor more than just a cup of delicious coffee. Diamond Drip Coffee Co aims to brew connections and foster community spirit.
Kurt and his wife, Sondra, came to the ASBTDC in July of 2023 for assistance with a business plan, market research, and financial analysis. “These tools helped to point us in the right direction from a business perspective,” said Kurt.
Fantastic coffee, refuge, retreat, community; it’s fair to say that these words most describe the vision that is behind Diamond Drip Coffee Co. “This was a dream for me for a long time. I’ve always wanted a coffee shop, and we wanted to create an experience that goes beyond your typical coffee shop.” Although many great ideas start with a dream, making them a reality can be daunting. “If you have a dream, don’t hold back, you have to try. Don’t worry about the unknown, because what if you knock it out of the park?” encouraged Kurt. He also advises that new entrepreneurs “get a mentor, someone to keep you accountable, and moving forward.”
From the inception of his idea to careful planning and many hours spent perfecting the architectural design, Kurt's vision is displayed through every aspect of Diamond Drip Coffee Co. Steel cargo containers, once used for journeys across oceans, have been repurposed into a beautiful, elegantly designed building. This space could be used for a lot of different things but community and collaboration are what it was designed for, and Kurt nailed it.
Kurt and his team have put all they have into the coffee experience. Before opening last year, the team attended a coffee business conference to hone their skills and gather information about what is happening in the coffee industry. Diamond Drip Coffee Co uses quality ingredients, and they don’t skimp on flavors. They also offer wonderfully crafted baked goods and experiment regularly on new recipes and flavors. "We're passionate about experimenting with flavors while staying true to the essence of good coffee," explained a Diamond Drip employee.
We live in a fast-paced, virtually-connected world, which often leaves little room for genuine person-to-person connections. Kurt considered a smaller spot as land downtown came available, which would have greatly diminished the size and experience, but ultimately decided that the he wanted people to “slow down a bit and enjoy the space of community”. Today, Diamond Drip Coffee Co stands as a beacon; a place where strangers may become friends over a shared love of coffee and companionship.
With its commitment to quality, community, and creativity, this small business coffee shop is poised to become more than just a local meeting spot. It's set to become a cornerstone of the greater Clarksville community; a place where memories are made, stories are shared, and friendships forged, one cup at a time.
Diamond Drip Coffee Co is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, they have extended hours of 6 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. They can be found at 206 West Cherry Street in Clarksville, on Facebook, and at Diamond Dripcoffeeco.square.site.
Friends and business partners, Misty Willbanks and Stacy Drilling, started their entrepreneurial journey together in 2021 when they launched The Southern Sippery Mobile Bar.
Before landing on this venture, Misty worked with her Arkansas Tech University ASBTDC business consultant, Ronda Hawkins, on a different idea that didn’t materialize. But, when the mobile bar idea came along, things fell into place. “We recognized an opportunity. We saw a similar business in another state, and knew that there was not currently anything like it in Arkansas. So, we jumped,” said Misty. “The ASBTDC helped us prioritize the most immediate needs for a successful start.”
Working from their homes in Morrilton, Misty and Stacy set out with their repurposed, vintage horse trailer, lovingly named Jolene. The partners started booking events in October 2021. News of their traveling cocktail bar and bartending service spread. Since then, Southern Sippery Mobile Bar has been featured in the publications, Only in Arkansas and Say, “I Do” in 2022!
As their business grew, Misty and Stacy started searching for a space to hold their trailer and supplies. “We happened upon a garage with a building attached that had open space and a beautiful vaulted ceiling. A light bulb went off, and we thought we might be able to supplement our garage rental by renting out the space,” said Misty. The partners returned to the ASBTDC for advice on how to best finance the next phase of their business.
“It was an accidental business expansion. Since our first venture was in the event/wedding category, an event space was familiar and we already had many of the tools in place to move forward,” exclaimed Misty.
OrenWood Hall and Southern Social opened at 313 East Commerce in Morrilton in May. OrenWood Hall is available for special events, while Southern Social is a collaborative women’s co-working space inside OrenWood Hall.
When asked what the most helpful assistance the ASBTDC provided, Misty remarked, “Definitely anything to do with money! We are both creatives, and the ASBTDC's assistance with numbers and projections have been a huge help.”
As for the entrepreneurial journey, Misty said, “It's harder than it looks! You have to be able to sacrifice your time, energy, money, family and mental health- ha! But, it's also so rewarding to know that we built this business from scratch, and the support from our community and state has been overwhelming.”
Learn more about Southern Sippery Mobile Bar at https://www.southernsippery.com/ and OrenWood Hall/Southern Social at https://www.orenwoodhall.com/.
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas Tech University
Doc Bryan Suite 104
1605 Coliseum Drive
Russellville, AR 72801
Phone 479.356.2067
Our center serves Conway, Franklin, Johnson, Logan, Pope and Yell Counties. If you
are located outside of our service area, click to find a center near you.
Doc Bryan Suite 104 • 1605 Coliseum Drive • Russellville, AR 72801 • 479.356.2067
asbtdc@atu.edu
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The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas Tech University is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U. S. Small Business Administration through a partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and the ATU College of Business and Economic Development. All ASBTDC programs are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.
