Small business conference coming to West Memphis

Arkansas Human Development Corporation bringing expo to ASU Mid-South

By Ralph Hardin

ralphhardin@gmail.com

The 2023 East Arkansas Small Business Development Conference is coming to Crittenden County.

“Win where you stand: Innovative approaches to grow small businesses and sustain local communities.” That’s the theme for the conference, a message the ARHDC’s Clevon Young wants to bring to Arkansas small business owners and potential startups.

“Providing small and emerging business owners with the skills, tools and contacts needed to build and grow their enterprises as well as help stabilize and sustain their local communities are the goals of this upcoming free business conference to be held in West Memphis,” said Young. “The regional conference will be held in person in the Marion Berry Renewable Energy Center on the campus of ASU Mid-South.”

The ASU Mid-South campus is located at 2000 W.

Broadway, in West Memphis, but for those unable to attend in person, participants can also attend virtually via Zoom.

The conference is funded primarily by the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), through its Arkansas Business Navigator Program grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and FORGE, Inc.

“The 2023 East Arkansas Small Business Development Conference’s theme of ‘Win Where You Stand: Innovative Approaches to Grow Small Businesses and Sustain Local Communities’ will bring together private, quasi-state, state, federal and, non-profit organizations with a singular focus of equipping existing and aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources to start and grow their businesses and make a powerful and positive impact on the communities where they are locat-

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Hosted by the Arkansas Human Development Corporation (AHDC), ASBTDC, City of West Memphis, East Arkansas Planning and Development District (EAPDD), Southland Casino Hotel, SBA, West Memphis Chamber of Commerce, Southland Casino Hotel, and many other organizations, the conference will be held Saturday, February 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Social distancing and masks are encouraged and liability release forms will be provided. Topics will include:

• How to finance your business • Effective use of social media

• How to hire and keep quality staff

• Building strategic partnerships.

“Join us at 9 a.m. for a ‘Lenders Roundtable,’ where conference participants will hear from and network with local, regional and statewide business and commercial lenders,” said Young. “The Lenders Roundtable will be facilitated by Mr. Jerry Talbert, Deputy Director, Arkansas District Office, SBA.”

Other activities include the luncheon address, which will be delivered by Mrs.

Matuschka Lindo Briggs, Vice President and Regional Executive, Little Rock Branch, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

“In this capacity, she works with business leaders, bankers, local government officials and other community stakeholders,” Young said. There is no cost to attend but registration is strongly encouraged.”

So, who should attend?

“Anyone interested in starting or growing a business or helping their community become more economically viable,” said Young. “Don’t miss this opportunity to help your community create needed jobs by acquiring the resources to help your small business grow and innovate.”

Anyone interested in attending in person or via Zoom may register by calling Arkansas Human Development Corporation toll free at (800) 482-7641 or (501) 374-1103, ext. 110 or online at asbtdc.ecenterdirect. com/events/7037150. You can also scan the QR code below with your smart-phone and follow the link to register.