The United States’ economic stability depends, in large part, on the strength of its small businesses (firms with fewer than 500 employees). The same holds true for Arkansas. In fact, 99.3 percent of Arkansas’ businesses are small businesses, and nearly half of all employed Arkansans work for small businesses.

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Fostering a culture that’s supportive to startups is vital for economic stability and growth in Arkansas. Our state has a long history of entrepreneurship, from Sam Walton, founder of Walmart; to Sissy Jones, founder of Sissy’s Log Cabin; to Ernest and Thelma Joshua, founders of J.M. Products, Inc.

What’s more, Arkansas’ southern hospitality extends beyond personal kindness and into the business realm. Cooperation over competition helps startups succeed in Arkansas, and the availability of information, resources and networking online has made becoming an entrepreneur in Arkansas easier than ever before.  

Whether you’re a native Arkansan or you’re new to town, your success is the state’s success. Here are eight websites to check out to help you with starting a business in Arkansas.

1. The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center has seven offices around the state and provides consulting and marketing research services as well as in-person seminars and webinars (both live and archived).


2. TRUiC’s How to Start a Business in Arkansas site has a wealth of free state- and regional-specific information to help you start an LLC. Did you know it only costs $50 to file for an LLC for your startup in Arkansas?


3. Small businesses in Little Rock can take advantage of Little Rock SCORE, which offers free mentoring, local workshops and free online resources.


4. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis’ publication, The Resource Guide for Small Businesses, covers a wide range of information helpful to startups in Central Arkansas. The resources provided are targeted to 11 Arkansas counties: Conway, Faulkner, Garland, Grant, Hot Spring, Lonoke, Jefferson, Perry, Pulaski, Saline and White.


5. Eventbrite is a great resource for finding business-related events specific to your area. From networking to seminars, you can fill up your calendar with opportunities to help your startup succeed.


6. The Arkansas District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration is your go-to for state and local business resources, business news, success stories, small business financing and more.  


7. DREAMITDOIT ARKANSAS is a service of the Arkansas Secretary of State. The Business Startup Wizard helps walk startups through the major steps of setting up a business in Arkansas.


8. Finally, the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration website houses several important forms and documents for businesses in Arkansas.

You can also find a wide range of small business and entrepreneurial resources on the AEDC website.