UALR’s Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will host events in 12 cities across the state later this month to help aspiring and active entrepreneurs start their businesses and mark the Ninth Annual Arkansas Entrepreneur Week.

Gov. Mike Beebe has proclaimed the week of Jan. 26 to 30 to focus on entrepreneurs starting businesses and staying competitive.

To that end, ASBTDC will offer its popular “Starting a Business in Arkansas” seminar simultaneously in 12 locations around the state from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.27. The seminar prepares participants for the intensive business planning process by explaining requirements for start-up businesses, keys to success, and common pitfalls to avoid.

“Starting a Business in Arkansas” will be held in Arkadelphia, Batesville, Bentonville, DeWitt, Dumas, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Hope, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Magnolia, and Nashville. Cost is $30 per person. Military veterans may attend at no charge.

From 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29, ASBTDC will host a second seminar, “Growing Your Business in Tough Economic Times,” in seven locations. Focusing on Guerrilla Marketing, cash flow and inventory management and customer satisfaction and retention, the seminar will give small business owners tips for recession-proofing existing businesses.

“Growing Your Business in Tough Economic Times” seminars will be held in Batesville, Fort Smith, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Magnolia, McGehee, and Rogers. Cost is $35 per person.

As the state’s premier business assistance provider, the ASBTDC assists entrepreneurs at every stage of business development and growth. A partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, ASBTDC serves new, existing, and innovation-based small businesses. Through a statewide network of seven offices and its headquarters at UALR, the center provides free consulting and market research services plus affordable training to the business community.

ASBTDC’s certified consultants provide one-on-one, confidential business counseling at no charge. Consulting services can be tailored to any small business venture and include market research, financial analysis and management. Offered statewide and online, ASBTDC’s training programs provide current, practical information on a broad range of business topics, including writing business plans, using popular accounting software, marketing effectively, managing cash flow, and utilizing technology and the Web.

For more about Arkansas Entrepreneur Week or to pre-register for “Starting Business in Arkansas” or “Growing Your Business in Tough Economic Times,” contact the ASBTDC at 800.862.2040.