The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) at 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 her role in helping clients obtain $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 serves small businesses in Northwest Arkansas by providing free and confidential one-on-one consulting services as well as in-person and virtual trainings and workshops. With offices in Fayetteville and Bentonville, ASBTDC consultants help entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their business ventures.
Funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and in partnership with the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the ASBTDC at the University of Arkansas is 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.