The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center in the UALR College of Business has developed a new program to help start-up business entrepreneurs launch their new businesses quicker.

Start-up Arkansas (STAR) is financed by the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. The program initially aims to target entrepreneurs in five central Arkansas counties who are six months to a year from opening their businesses. The counties include Pulaski, Faulkner, Lonoke, Saline, and White.

Participating start-up entrepreneurs can take advantage of a streamlined business plan outline, 20 on-demand online courses, and one-on-one professional business consulting at no charge.

Small companies have generated 64 percent of the net new jobs in the U.S. over the past 15 years, according to the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy.

Business consultants Lee Johnson and John Twyford joined ASBTDC last month to provide in-depth, individualized business consulting to start-up clients, teach seminars on starting a business, and network with area lenders.

“We are pleased to have Lee and John join us to focus on start-ups,” said Janet Roderick, ASBTDC state director. “They have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with prospective entrepreneurs.”

Johnson, a former restaurant owner, brings first-hand small business experience to the job. He also has worked in finance management at UPS and taught at Philander Smith College as an adjunct instructor of business. Johnson earned his bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Philander Smith.

Twyford previously operated a management consulting practice and was a member of the business faculty at Arkansas State University-Newport. He has years of banking experience and is a graduate of the Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking and the University of Oklahoma National Commercial Lending School.

Start-up entrepreneurs interested in STAR are encouraged to attend the ASBTDC’s basic “Starting a Business in Arkansas” seminar as a first step. The center will offer the seminar 25 times in the five-county area over the next two years.

The fundamental training prepares entrepreneurs for the intensive business planning process, identifies major steps crucial to starting a business, examines key issues that affect the success of a new business and discusses start-up requirements and common pitfalls.

Cost is $30 per person, but veterans and UALR employees may attend free of charge. Advance registration is required and available at asbtdc.ualr.edu or 501-683-7700.

The ASBTDC, a partnership program of the Small Business Administration and the UALR College of Business, offers consulting, training, and market research to Arkansas small businesses. As the state’s premier business assistance provider, the ASBTDC serves new, existing, and innovation-based businesses through a statewide network of seven offices.