If you are looking to start or expand a business in Arkansas, or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there are a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.

While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a wide range of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as solutions live in many different places.

Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these places:

1. State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
2. State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.
3. Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
4. Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek advice from state business leaders

The Arkansas Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC) offer free counseling and consulting services for small businesses. The staff's areas of expertise include computerization, financial management, loans, accounting and bookkeeping, and more.

I recommend: Schedule an appointment at a nearby center.

Read about start-up basics

The ASBDC's New Venture Guides outlines the basic steps for launching a small business in Arkansas.

I recommend: The 17 online guides cover start-up topics like how to draft a loan proposal, calculate cost analysis, and determine insurance needs.

Apply for small business loans

Businesses with fewer than 50 employees and less than $50 million in annual gross sales may qualify for loans through the Arkansas Department of Economic Development. The ADED works with commercial lenders across the state to help with expanding businesses and start-ups.

I recommend: Find ADED-approved lenders at Arkansas Lenders.

Take advantage of tax incentives

Small businesses can benefit from several state tax incentive programs. Advantage Arkansas offers a state income tax credit for job creation based on the payroll of new, full-time employees. The Tax Back program allows refunds from the approved purchase of certain building materials, machinery and equipment.

I recommend: Review eligibility requirements at Advantage Arkansas and Tax Back.

File your business licenses online

You can apply and pay for many permits and licenses online at Arkansas' official state Web site. Others are issued on the city and county level.

I recommend: Apply for professional licenses and search for local governments.

Hire the best employees

Recruit more qualified workers in less time with the help of Arkansas Workforce Centers. Here you can access the largest and most diverse source of job-seekers in your area. A worker's skills and abilities are matched with your specified job requirements.

I recommend: Locate the closest center and expedite your hiring process at Arworks.org. You can also post jobs and search for potential employees at Arkansasjobs.net.

Snag state-level help from the SBA

District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.

I recommend: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.

SCORE more free help for your biz

SCORE, 'Counselors to America's small business' is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.

I recommend: SCORE's Arkansas office: El Dorado - South Central SCORE.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Arkansas Business publishes a Book of Lists, which contains data and contact info on state businesses in 44 categories, such as banking and finance, real estate, health care and manufacturers. It's a handy resource for start-ups. You can order the $99 guide online or call (888) 322-6397.
• •  The ASBDC offers 20 online business basics classes called SmallBizU eLearning Courses. Classes are available 24/7 and cost $30 each. Visit the ASBDC Web site or call (501) 324-9043 for more information.
• •  The Small Business Administration's Little Rock office offers free small business workshops and can assist with SBA loans. Call them at (501) 324-7379.
• •  any types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
• •  Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
• •  Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
• •  The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.