The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) from the University of Arkansas recently received recognition for their outstanding performance at the 2024 ASBTDC Spring Network Meeting in Little Rock. Mary Beth Brooks, the center director, was awarded the Capital Acquisition Award of Excellence for helping clients secure $14 million in loans and capital investments. Lori Lieblong, a business consultant, also received recognition for her efforts in securing $7 million in capital acquisitions for clients.
In addition to their financial achievements, Catherine Corley, a business and innovation consultant, Carolina Mejia, a bilingual business consultant, and Mary Beth Brooks were honored with Annual Employee Excellence awards as Values Ambassadors. This award recognized their exceptional service, integrity, collaboration, impact, and inclusion within the organization.
The ASBTDC at the University of Arkansas provides free and confidential one-on-one consulting services to small businesses in Northwest Arkansas. They also offer in-person and virtual trainings and workshops to help entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their business ventures. With offices in Fayetteville and Bentonville, ASBTDC consultants are dedicated to helping small businesses grow and thrive.
The center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. As a unit of the Division of Economic Development, their mission is to support small businesses in Arkansas and contribute to the economic growth of the state.