Small Business
AEDC Announces 50 More Businesses Certified by Minority & Women-Owned Business Program
Fifty more businesses were certified last year compared with 34 in 2022, bringing the total number of businesses that have been certified by the Minority & Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification Program to 335 at year-end.
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Empowering the Delta (Abe Hudson Commentary)
By supporting grassroots efforts, we can narrow the racial wealth gap and foster inclusive growth. read more >
by Abe Hudson -
Still Cooking at 60: Fayetteville’s Iconic Herman’s Ribhouse Nears Milestone
Nick and Carrie Wright bought legendary Herman’s Ribhouse of Fayetteville in 2013. read more >
by Marty Cook -
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February Retail Sales Up 0.6%, Weaker Than Expected
February's number was lifted in part by higher gas price as well as higher auto sales and a rebound in building materials. read more >
by Associated Press -
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Grants Available to Promote Arkansas Farmers Markets
In 2023, the program provided more than $9,000 in grants to 25 Arkansas farmers markets. read more >
Conductor Accepting Applications for 10X Growth Accelerator Program
The program is tailored for Arkansas-based tech or tech-enabled companies with revenues ranging from $100,000 to $10 million. read more >
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US Inflation Up Again in February, The Latest Sign That Price Pressures Remain Elevated
Prices rose 0.4% from January to February, higher than the previous month’s figure of 0.3%, the Labor Department said Tuesday. read more >
by Associated Press -
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Soledad O’Brien to Keynote 2024 Soirée Women’s Leadership Symposium
The event, set for May 2 at the Statehouse Convention Center in downtown Little Rock, will once again feature breakout sessions and panels led by industry experts. read more >
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State Jobless Rate Holds at 3.7% in January After December Rate Revised Up
Compared to the same month the previous year, the labor force participation rate was two-tenths of a percentage point higher. read more >
Federal Judge Blocks US Labor Board Rule That Would Make it Easier for Workers to Unionize
The rule, which was due to go into effect Monday, would have set new standards for determining when two companies should be considered “joint employers” in labor negotiations. read more >
by Associated Press -
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AI Market Forecast to Hit $1.8 Trillion in 2030
The global value of the artificial intelligence market is expected to surge in the next decade, growing from about $95.6 billion in 2021 to $1.8 trillion by 2030, according to […] read more >
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How Do I Know If I Can Afford to Hire? (Sabrina Starling On Small Business)
It may be time to free up top performers by shifting lower-value activities to new team members. read more >
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Arkansas’ Podcast Boom: Business Takes Center Stage
Today’s businesses are creating their own podcasts to engage with potential clients, build a steady stream of content to be broken down into social media promotions, and position their executives as thought leaders in industry specialties. read more >
by Kyle Massey -
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US Employers Add a Surprisingly Strong 275,000 Jobs, a Sign of Continued Economic Strength
Last month’s job growth marked an increase from a revised gain of 229,000 jobs in January. read more >
by Associated Press -
Small Business / Business Services / Construction / Government & Politics / Manufacturing / Restaurants & Food
US Job Openings Stay Steady at Nearly 8.9 Million in January, a Sign Labor Market Remains Strong
Layoffs fell modestly, but so did the number of Americans quitting their jobs — a sign of confidence they can find higher pay or better working conditions elsewhere. read more >
by Associated Press -
ASBTDC Gets $2M Grant to Help Underserved and Very Small Businesses
The five-year grant will help the center assist hundreds of businesses with securing capital through the U.S. Treasury's Technical Assistance Grant Program. read more >
Governor’s Arts Awards Set for March 8 in Little Rock
General Mills of Rogers and Walmart executive Tony Waller of Bentonville will be among the honorees. read more >
Fuel Accelerator Picks 8 Startups for Tech Cohort
The Bentonville-based organization said the selected startups bring a "diverse range of solutions that are transforming the healthcare industry." read more >
WhiteRock Opens Office at Little Rock Tech Park
The independent Salesforce vendor said the office provides a dedicated space for employees to engage with customers. read more >
Original Purple Cow to be Demolished, Rebuilt
The original Purple Cow restaurant, at 8026 Cantrell Road in Little Rock, which was heavily damaged by last year’s tornado, will be demolished to make way for a new Purple Cow. read more >
Striking a Balance Between Innovation and Tradition With AI
Do the benefits outweigh the challenges and what are the future implications for both firms and their clients? read more >
by Matt Pramschufer -