Technology & Innovation Businesses
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) assists entrepreneurs whose business focus is on innovation, new technology development or new applications of existing technology. Services include consulting, research and training. All services are available at low or no cost through the ASBTDC's partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and higher education institutions across Arkansas. For more information on the ASBTDC, visit our FAQ or explore other sections of our web site.
The ASBTDC encourages entrepreneurs to subscribe to our biweekly e-newsletter, Tech Track, to stay informed about news and events of interest to the innovation-based business community.
Who We Serve
The ASBTDC's assistance to innovation-based businesses is focused on the following:
- Entrepreneurs using engineering, science or technology to develop products, services, or processes in their business
- Entrepreneurs who have ideas for innovative products or services that apply existing technology in new ways
- Entrepreneurs engaged in biosciences, engineering, agriculture, information technology and similar high-tech areas
- University researchers interested in establishing new ventures to commercialize research
- Organizations supporting technology transfer and commercialization that benefits Arkansas small business
What We Do
The ASBTDC's services are based on the individual needs of our innovation-based small business customers. Generally, they include:
Technology Business Planning
- Business plan development and plan reviews
- Market research and analysis
- Basics of intellectual property
- Commercialization assessment and strategies
Alternative Financing
- Assistance in understanding and accessing R&D money
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
- Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
- Equity financing opportunities in the state of Arkansas
- Angel capital
- Venture capital
- Traditional financing sources
Market Research
- Market, Customer and Industry Analysis
- Demographics
- Competitor Identification
- Industry Benchmarks
ASBTDC Research Resources
- Proprietary market research databases
- GIS mapping software
- ASBTDC web resources
- Patents in Commerce™ DVD series for inventors
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) / Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
The ASBTDC provides assistance to research-capable Arkansas small businesses to access federal R&D dollars. We help small businesses:
- Navigate 11 federal agencies that fund R&D projects under the SBIR/STTR programs,
- Locate research topics,
- Draft their research proposals
- Review proposal reviews
- Find institutional partners to provide research expertise
Training
The ASBTDC offers a wide variety of live and online classes on topics relevant to innovation-based entrepreneurs. Training of special interest to innovation-based entrepreneurs typically includes topics related to SBIR/STTR, intellectual property, and market research.
Articles, Information, and Tools
The ASBTDC offers helpful information and tools to those who operate or plan to begin innovation-based businesses. A great deal of information is available online.
Contact Rebecca Norman to discuss your SBIR and STTR opportunities and challenges.
Rebecca Norman, Innovation Consultant
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center
rxnorman@ualr.edu
501.683.7714
