Attracting the Best for Entry-Level Roles (Sabrina Starling on Small Business)
Communicating advancement opportunities is a valuable hiring tool for hard-to-fill entry-level positions. read more >
StartupNWA Hub to Support Entrepreneurs in Northwest Arkansas
A new online platform has been created to connect northwest Arkansas entrepreneurs with support and resources. read more >
Labor Costs Remain High for Small Businesses, but a Report Shows Wage Growth is Slowing for Some
The Paychex Small Business Employment Watch found hourly earnings growth for workers at firms with 50 employees or less dropped to 2.89% in August. It's the first time growth has dropped below 3% since January 2021. read more >
by Associated Press -
Ark Angel Alliance Surpasses $3.5M in Investments
"Passing the $3.5 million milestone reflects the incredible potential we see in the Arkansas startup ecosystem," Melissa Kempkes, executive director of Ark Angel Alliance, said in a press release. read more >
COVID-19 Government Disaster Loans Saved Businesses, but Saddled Survivors With Debt
The SBA awarded about 4 million loans worth $380 billion through one program. More than $300 billion was outstanding as of late 2023. read more >
by Associated Press -
Jonesboro Unlimited Gets $700K Grant for Small Business Development Program
The funds will support the JumpStart Partnership, which aims to help local entrepreneurs and small business owners find the assistance they need to get started and grow. read more >
AEDC Launches New Program to Train Economic Developers
The program will be managed by Startup Junkie of Fayetteville and Conductor of Conway, in partnership with AEDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division. read more >
Rent Remains a Pain Point for Small Businesses Even as Overall Inflation Cools Off
Some owners are choosing to be late on payments or seeking out new locations where the rent is lower. A few are pushing back against their landlord. read more >
by Associated Press -
Small Businesses, Local Economies Thrive at Arkansas Pop-Up Markets
Pop-ups provide a platform for businesses that may not have a permanent physical presence, serving as a low-cost, low-risk environment for entrepreneurs to test their products and build a customer base. read more >
by Chloe McGehee -
North Little Rock Public Library System to Assume Management of Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub
The North Little Rock Public Library System is in negotiations to assume the management and operation of the Arkansas Regional Innovation Hub from Winrock International. read more >
Mimi San Pedro to Retire as Chief Strategy Officer of The Venture Center
During her tenure, the Little Rock nonprofit has expanded its reach in the national fintech space and enhanced minority programming and mentorship opportunities. read more >
Retiring Restaurateur Mark Abernathy Sells Red Door, Loca Luna
The buyer is Remolinos Group, the organization led by Fidel & Co. Coffee Roasters and Sterling Market owner Fidel Samour. read more >
by Scott Carroll -
The Small Business Administration Expands Clean Energy Loan Program
The SBA wants to bring in lenders ranging from hyperlocal microlenders to nationally oriented financial institutions. read more >
by Associated Press -
Food Writer Kat Robinson on Arkansas’ Post-Pandemic Restaurant Scene
Kat Robinson has worked as a radio and documentary producer and communications manager for Arkansas Tourism and is a published author. read more >
Here’s the Scoop (Hunter Field Editor’s Note)
A new Little Rock ice cream shop is just the kind of place a reenvisioned downtown needs. read more >
by Hunter Field -
Southern Bancorp Picks 30 Entrepreneurs for Minority Business Empowerment Program
The entrepreneurs, the first of two cohorts in 2024, now begin a 12-week program that provides technical assistance and funding readiness for small businesses. read more >
Take a Real Vacation (Sabrina Starling on Small Business)
Fully unplugging from your business while on vacation is critical to avoiding burnout. read more >
Rent Inflation Remains a Pressure Point for Small Businesses
The average monthly share of rent in total payments through May is 9.1%, up significantly from the 2019 average of 5.9%. read more >
by Associated Press -
Summer Hours Are a Perk Small Businesses Can Offer to Workers to Boost Morale
Reduced hours in the summer months can also enable smaller businesses to stand out to prospective employees in a competitive talent marketplace. read more >
by Associated Press -
Little Rock CRNA Agency Rises Quick With TikTok
Michael Marsh started his certified registered nurse anesthetist staffing agency at his dining room table in 2019, but it quickly outgrew those quarters. read more >
by Mark Friedman -
Sign up for Daily E-news
Sign Up
THIS WEEK’S EDITION
This Week’s Stories
View Digital Edition
