![Darren and Kelly Brown, the married owners of Arkansas Air Flow, discovered that their former bookkeeper and employee, Amy Trammell, embezzled from their business over six years.[Karen E. Segrave]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ARBusiness-Embezzled-25_opt-300x194.jpg)
Arkansas Air Flow Overcomes $1.8M Theft, Rebounds Business
Arkansas Air Flow faced a $1.8 million setback after an employee’s embezzlement; however, the company has since recovered, increasing revenue by 52% and expanding its workforce. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Trump Tariffs Rattle Small Business Owners Already Dealing With Tight Margins
The continued roll out of new tariffs is worrying small business owners who are already dealing with small profit margins. read more >
by Associated Press -
Zen Tea to Sell Heights Location
The location, which opened in December 2023, is listed for $19,900. The shop also plans to sell its Hot Springs location while maintaining operations in Fayetteville. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Fowler Family Buys Little Rock’s Dempsey Bakery, Plans Gluten-Free Franchise
The bakery's founder and former owner Paula Dempsey will remain with the company as a consultant for the next three years. read more >
Jeff Amerine Named Board Chair of Ark Angel Alliance
As the founder and managing director at Startup Junkie Consulting of Fayetteville, Amerine has extensive experience in venture creation and investment. read more >
Strategic Planning Makes Everything Easier (Sabrina Starling on Small Business)
Answering some key questions will make everything else easier for you in the year ahead. read more >
Supreme Court Allows Small Business Registration Rule to Take Effect, Aimed at Money Laundering
The ruling means owners and part-owners of an estimated 32.6 million small businesses must register personal information with Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN. read more >
by Associated Press -
Rosy December for Small Business Sales, but Restaurants Are Left Out
The strongest selling categories were general merchandise, clothing, shoes and jewelry retailers, furniture, electronics, appliances and grocery. read more >
by Associated Press -
Conductor Names Leslie McColgan as New Program Director
McColgan, formerly with Conway Regional Medical Center, brings nearly a decade of health care leadership experience to the role, overseeing events and initiatives for small business development. read more >
![Businesses along Cantrell Road were heavily damaged during the March 2023 tornado. [Karen E. Segrave]](https://dqndh7utxx63f.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/ARBusiness-Tornado-Recovery-0167_opt-300x194.jpg)
Arkansas and Little Rock Awarded Nearly $80M in Storm Recovery Grants
The funds will be used to rebuild homes, repair infrastructure and provide assistance to small businesses. read more >
Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator Launches in Bentonville
Startup Junkie Foundation and UA's Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program have launched a 10-week accelerator program to support 10 international startups developing cycling technology. read more >
Treasury Certification to Help Arvest Opportunity Fund Grow Investments in Struggling Communities
The designation as a Community Development Entity opens the door for individual and corporate investors through the federal New Markets Tax Credits Program. read more >
Arkansas Companies Add Nontraditional Workplace Benefits
Arkansas companies like ECCI and Everon are among those enhancing employee engagement with innovative activities, from go-kart races to pet-friendly offices, boosting retention and workplace culture. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
Forge Institute Launches Accelerator for Defense Tech Startups
Forge Institute of Little Rock has launched Phoenix Xcelerator, a 12-week program designed to support defense and aerospace startups and strengthen Arkansas' defense innovation sector. read more >
Small Businesses Brace for Potentially Disruptive TikTok Ban
Though TikTok has been around only since 2016, small businesses use the platform in a variety of ways, from growing a customer base to advertising and marketing, as well as selling goods directly from the site. read more >
by Associated Press -
Potential New Traps in Handling Workplace Accommodations (In The Workplace 2025)
Due to some recent legal changes, employers should ensure their process for determining whether an employee can be reasonably accommodated — or if it would be an undue hardship on the company — is up to date. read more >
by Daveante Jones -
Survey: Small Businesses Are Feeling More Optimistic About the Economy After the Election
The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. read more >
by Associated Press -
Startup Junkie Renews Economic Development Contract with Fayetteville
Startup Junkie has renewed its partnership with Fayetteville through 2026 to provide free entrepreneurial resources and programming, with an added focus on supporting underserved entrepreneurs and the arts community. read more >
Business Owners Should Not Forget Anti-Money Laundering Rule Currently In Legal Limbo
Small business owners should not forget about a rule — currently in legal limbo — that would require them to register with an agency called the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, by Jan. 1. read more >
by Associated Press -
AEDC Awards $2M to 11 Local Startup Accelerators
Funds are aimed at encouraging the development of technological products and services. Recipients include Startup Junkie, The Venture Center and Forge Institute. read more >
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