Jimmy D. Threet saw a commercial need and came up with an idea for a new business to meet that need. To make his dream come to fruition, Threet called the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center.

Today, Threet is president of Arkansas Genomics, the state’s first and only private DNA laboratory that opened last September. It provides DNA analysis for state, county, and city crime laboratories.

In addition to forensic DNA testing, the company also does paternity testing, siblingship and other relationship analysis, and other human identity analysis.

Arkansas Genomics was one of 103 new startup companies that opened in 2011 with the assistance of ASBTDC.

“We help businesses of all sorts start, grow, and develop, resulting in jobs and revenue for our state,” said Janet Roderick, ASBTDC state director. “In fact, ASBTDC client businesses created 10,304 new jobs over the last decade.”

Threet and two other DNA analysts at Arkansas Genomics are helping reduce the national backlog of forensic cases. With the rapid technological advancements of recent years, laboratories like Arkansas Genomics are able to produce a greater number of test results in a shorter amount of time.

“The backlog samples have been there accruing on evidence shelves for years, before the DNA technology came to what it is today,” he said. “When courts close out one case, they are finding that they close out six or seven other cases.”

By collecting and processing DNA swabs upon arrests and convictions, Threet said, crime labs can build more thorough databases of DNA profiles, often finding that convicted criminals are guilty of multiple rapes or homicides.

Arkansas Genomics recently received accreditation that qualifies it to handle a greater number of outsourced forensic cases from all over the country.

Getting Arkansas Genomics started was a lengthy process for Threet, as he dealt with lease negotiations, construction of the facility, and loan applications. Since 2009, Threet has met regularly with ASBTDC’s Michael Singleton and Nancy Knighten for assistance in conducting and analyzing market research, preparing a strong business plan and loan application, creating a successful website, and other aspects of the development of Arkansas Genomics. He received a $600,000 Small Business Administration loan in 2010.

Another company created with the help of ASBTDC is Pitza 42, serving pizza built on pita bread crust and salads. The Conway restaurant opened in September 2011.

Following the new company’s motto, “Eat Good, Do Good,” owners Austin and Ashton Samuelson donate the funds necessary to purchase one meal for every meal they sell to the charity Feed My Starving Children.

ASBTDC assisted the couple with business and financial planning, market research, and website optimization during the startup process. John Twyford, ASBTDC Startup Arkansas business consultant, began working with them in May. Austin showed him an outline of their plan, and Twyford helped them get from grand idea to grand opening.

“We loved working with the ASBTDC. John Twyford and the rest of the staff were extremely helpful throughout the entire process,” said Austin Samuelson. “They helped us with everything from developing our business plan and marketing plan to helping us search out the best financing options.”

In December 2011, April Mayfield of Little Rock opened her new pet store, Bow Wow & Meow Bakery and Boutique in Maumelle. She began working with Kayla New at ASBTDC in February 2011, starting with writing a business plan.

Even though she knew the type of business she wanted to open, Mayfield needed to decide where to locate her store. ASBTDC provided market research on her target market and GIS (geographic information system) market potential maps of her proposed sites.

“The ASBTDC assisted me in reviewing multiple locations and making the best choice for my business,” Mayfield said. “I will continue to use the ASBTDC as my business grows.”

A first step for anyone considering opening a business should be attending ASBTDC’s basic “Starting a Business in Arkansas” seminar. The program, offered regularly in locations around the state, outlines the major steps in the startup process and discusses startup requirements and common pitfalls entrepreneurs face.

The next “Starting a Business in Arkansas” seminar at UALR will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 29. Register by calling 501-693-7700 or online at asbtdc.org.

The ASBTDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration and the UALR College of Business. In addition to startups, ASBTDC assists existing and expanding businesses and innovation-based ventures.