The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is launching a new Arkansas Small Business Community Navigator program and seeking partners to aid small businesses across the state.
According to ASBTDC state director Laura Fine, the program is designed to help local small businesses respond to challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Partners, such as chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, nonprofits and municipalities, can become Community Navigators, connecting business owners with ASBTDC and their business development expertise.
One of the priorities for the program will be ensuring that historically underrepresented groups have access to ASBTDC’s resources. “We want to make sure small businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, rural entrepreneurs, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals can easily access the assistance they need,” Fine said in a statement.
While the ASBTDC will serve as a hub for business resources, the Community Navigators are intended to be the pathways for business owners to reach these resources.
Organizations wishing to serve as a Small Business Community Navigator should complete the interest form at asbtdc.org/community-navigators or contact Whitney Horton at wahorton@ualr.edu or (501) 916-6712.
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