The University of Arkansas’s Small Business and Technology Development Center was recognized for its exceptional performance at the 2024 ASBTDC Spring Network Meeting in Little Rock. Mary Beth Brooks, the center director, received the Capital Acquisition Award of Excellence for assisting clients in obtaining $14 million in loans and capital investments. Lori Lieblong, a business consultant, also received recognition for helping clients secure $7 million in capital acquisitions.
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 recognizes their exceptional service, integrity, collaboration, impact, and inclusion within the organization.
The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center 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 in part 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.
