Best Small Business Resources in the Fayetteville Area

Description

Located in Northwest Arkansas, Startup Junkie provides one-on-one consulting on a variety of topics and hosts events, workshops, and free conferences related to innovation and entrepreneurship. Example events include networking events, pitch contests with cash prizes, startup crawls, etc. They also provide free (walk-in) coworking space and a 25 person conference room (with reservation). Nearly all of their services are provided for free, however some events have nominal fees associated with them.

Description

Communities Unlimited acts as a mobile incubator that designs an effective support strategy for startups and existing business. Consultation sessions are offered at an affordable price with a free initial consultation. In addition, they provide microloans for startups and existing companies in transition or expansion phases. Their basic loans range from $500 to $1,000 and are suitable for anyone trying to launch a small business. Aside from consulting, the other part of their entrepreneurial support takes the form of customized programming for communities and startups. All of their support is customized to the company, so the best route forward is simply to contact them and start talking.

Description

SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.

Description

Genesis Technology Incubator hosts technology-intensive entrepreneurs and helps them start their business and reach the stage of economic viability. They have private spaces available for rent and can leverage university resources to aid startups. 

Restrictions

Open to technology-based startups ready to prototype and launch.

Description

Part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, the AFIC strives to provide affordable services for food startups in Northwest Arkansas. Their purpose is to provide local food producers the facilities and tools needed to turn their foods and produce into commercial products that can be sold to a wider market, year round. They can help with the legal and regulatory assistance, packaging, and labeling. Faculty from the university can informally assist with miscellaneous improvements that can aid the success of your product. Entrepreneurs must be prepared to invest at least $1,000 to get started, have plenty of flexible time, and have a food product planned out. Rent and fees are based on how much you use the space.

Restrictions

Must have a plan to create a vegetarian food product and must be prepared to initially invest around $1,000.

Description

The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.