Small Business and Technology Development Center Team Earns Awards

JONESBORO –  The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Arkansas State University racked up multiple honors in April, capped by a prestigious award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Adriene F. Brown, SBA Arkansas district director, presented the Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award to the A-State team at the 2026 ASBTDC network meeting in Little Rock.

Criteria for the honor included helping new and established small businesses increase revenues and create and retain jobs through innovative programs and events; achieving performance milestones; and supporting local and regional small business and economic development by advancing opportunities for entrepreneurial development and educating the community about SBA programs and services.

“I am pleased to see the A-State ASBTDC recognized with the SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award. This honor highlights their strong client service, creative approach to supporting small businesses, and impressive results in business starts, capital access, job creation, and business growth,” said Laura Fine, state director.

In addition, two members of the team received individual Employee Excellence awards during the meeting. Fine recognized Laura Miller, center director, and Robert Bahn, business consultant, for their work with current and prospective business owners last year.

Miller received the Excellence in Startup Assistance award for the number of businesses that opened with her assistance. Miller and Bahn both received Excellence in Capital Projects recognition for the number of capital funding projects each completed.

Earlier in the month, the center was named the Non-Profit of the Year at the Northeast Arkansas Outstanding Business Awards presented by Talk Business & Politics.

“Receiving both the SBA SBDC Excellence and Innovation Award and TB&P Non-Profit of the Year is a tremendous honor. These awards are a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff, whose innovation and dedication drive the impact we make for small businesses throughout Arkansas. I am incredibly proud of our team and the difference they make every day,” said Miller.

Located in the Delta Center for Economic Development, the A-State regional office is funded by the university’s Neil Griffin College of Business and Office of the Provost through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Through its statewide network of centers and consultants, ASBTDC assists new, existing and technology-based businesses across Arkansas. The office in Jonesboro serves current and prospective entrepreneurs in 10 Northeast Arkansas counties. Clients can reach the center, which is supported by federal funding, at (870) 972-3517.