Business Resources

The Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development offers resources for existing, expanding, and new businesses.

Coaching

CABS provides services to small and minority businesses in Camden and Ouachita County. The Center provides space for training, coaching, and consultation for both existing and startup businesses. The CABS Center also is a self-paced learning center and offers:

Business Library
How-To Business Guides
Business Software & Videos
Online Training & Tutorials
Video Connection To Technical Assistance
Telephone, Fax, Scanner, Printer, & Copier
Computer & Internet Access
Office & Conference Space

There is no one way to tackle a problem, and it’s the same in starting or retooling a business. We all have our own stories and our own approaches. At the CABS Center, we treat you as your unique self and help you to put together a plan for following your dream. We say “Dream Big” because we want you to be all that you can. It’s about you, your vision and your investment. Our job at CABS is to listen to you. Drop in or call 870-836-2210 to schedule an appointment with a Small Business Coach.

See Your Plan Move Forward

Business planning is hard work. No one can do it for you. It has to be your plan, your labor, your investment. Our job is to guide you – to support and work with you. We’re going to ask a lot of questions; some will be easy to answer, others will be challenging. In the end, your hard work will greatly improve your chances for success.

Here are five things that you can do to be more productive:

Write a short description of your existing or proposed business and its products.
Describe your customers and how you will get them to buy your product.
Make a complete list of all of your actual or expected business costs.
What investments will you make in your business?
What are your weaknesses – what kind of help do you need?

Positioned For Success – Execute!

Executing your plan can mean many things, including getting financing, securing permits and licenses, preparing your business space, marketing your business, hiring employees, and setting up your financial books. We are here to help.

Incubation

To Incubate

To maintain under conditions favorable for hatching; to grow under conditions that promote development; to cause or aid the development of an idea; to promote development of the young – to help them survive and grow during their startup period when they are most vulnerable; to undergo incubation.

What is Business Incubation?

Business incubation is kind of a big hug. It’s personal. It’s a commitment to opening yourself up to a second set of eyes. It’s a willingness to accept critique and help. It’s offering to be accountable. It’s accelerating on your path to business growth. It’s a place to call home when you are away from home.

What is Camden Incubate (CI)?

CI is a member-based business incubation program. It offers support, counsel, and services to two types of members:

CIncubator™ companies are businesses which have residence status in the Ouachita Valley Business and Technology Center building at 625 Adams Avenue in Camden and have committed to a program of business incubation. Resident companies have access to secure production and/or office space, loading docks, meeting rooms, copy and mail room, secure network, broadband internet, video conferencing, telephones, and business services.
CInc™ companies are businesses which have committed to a program of business incubation and are receiving business services not requiring residency.

What are the Criteria for Joining Camden Incubate?

Criteria for Program Membership (CInc™)

Potential for survival.
Management’s commitment to succeed.
Skills and experience of management team.
Commitment by company ownership to make a personal investment of resources in the business.
Willingness to provide periodic status reports, participate in incubation program events, and receive services including assistance in seeking financing and in assessing market opportunities.

Criteria for Tenant Membership (CIncubators™)

Incubator tenancy is reserved for early stage companies from six months to two years old; advanced stage companies are not candidates unless limited to temporary space needs to ease a move into the community. Startup companies younger than six months will be considered only if rated high in #5 and #6 below. Concept stage companies are not eligible for incubator tenancy unless they need “desk space” only.
Potential for growth and job creation.
Management’s commitment to succeed, including full-time commitment of operating executive(s).
Skills, experience, and business readiness and aptitude of management team.
Evidence of personal investment of resources by company ownership, including evidence of monetary investment and collateral assets
Adequate level of resources to begin and sustain full-time operations within the first six months of occupancy.
Principals have been working on their business for at least six months – not in the concept stage, but are programmed to be ready for at least prototype production within first six months.
Product/concept/technology is commercially viable as evaluated by technical advisors.
Focus on manufacturing or technologies – not services, unless the plan provides for more than five employees earning wages above the County average within two years.
A commitment to continuously building and following a business plan throughout the period of tenancy, including a:
1. An analysis of industry trends and market competition.
2. A marketing plan.
3. A solid financing plan and projections for at least two years.
4. An operational plan with targeted milestones.
Willingness to provide periodic status reports, to participate in incubation program events, and to accept incubator services including assistance in securing financing necessary for maintaining a growth path, in assessing market opportunities, and in working with incubation program management to continually improve the quality of business planning.
An articulated need for in-residence incubation services.

Requirements of CIncubators™

CIncubator™ companies are each required to have an Advisory Board which meets at least quarterly. Advisory boards provide a monitoring and evaluation mechanism, as well as a sounding board and vehicle to provide outside counsel to developing companies. Each Advisory Board will have a minimum of five members, including the Executive Director of the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development, a community member appointed by the Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development Board of Directors, and three members unrelated to the business owners and appointed by the business for their business experience and knowledge, including at least one with competence related to the business endeavor.

CIncubator™ companies will be offered a standard lease at market rates for three years with requirements that the business be insured and commit to financial and business performance reporting. However, a three year lease term will not be guaranteed. Instead, continued tenure will be based upon performance against agreed upon milestones. The first six months will be a probationary period with an exit by the end of the first year if the company is not performing as agreed. A portion of rent paid will be used to purchase or offset the cost of business support services provided to each CIncubator™ company.

How Does a Business Join Camden Incubate?

Meet with Executive Director for initial review of business status against eligibility criteria. Receive coaching on application process and steps to taken to be considered for admissions.

Complete and submit application for Camden Incubate membership, along with company business plan if ready. Business plan is not required to be complete prior to program admissions if company commits to completion within first six months. Business plan coaching is available in the Camden Accelerated Business Services (CABS) Center every Tuesday and Thursday.

Camden Incubate Screening Committee will be convened to review each application, meet with applicant, and rate the application against membership criteria. Recommendations for CInc™ membership are made to the Executive Director. Recommendations for CIncubator™ membership are made to the OPED Board. Recommendations may include deferral of membership until applicant completes additional steps. The Camden Incubate Screening Committee consists of core members supplemented by members invited by the Executive Director to serve on an ad hoc basis because of their familiarity with some aspect of the applicant’s business endeavor.

If I’m Not Ready For Business Incubation, What Else Is Available?

Check out the Camden Accelerated Business Services (CABS) Center where we offer business coaching on Tuesdays and Thursdays and where we have a collection of resources for your use, including books, videos, software, Internet access to online tutorials and data useful to planning or managing a business.

Training

FREE Small Business Training Now Offered at the Camden Accelerated Business Services (CABS) Center

625 Adams SW, Camden, AR 71701 (OPED Building)
Call 870-836-2210 or oped@att.net to Pre-Register

Starting a Business in Arkansas

This seminar prepares you for the intensive business planning process, identifies major steps crucial to starting a business, discusses key issues that affect the success of your business, and discusses start-up requirements and common pitfalls that you will face as an entrepreneur. Free New Business Guide included!

How to Write a Business Plan

No matter how large or small, all businesses should have a written plan. A business plan helps to define concepts, evaluate the competition, analyze markets, determine risks and estimate financial potential. Business plans are required to obtain a small business loan. This in-depth seminar discusses the business planning process in detail. Participants will learn about the importance of planning and the elements that go into a good plan. For new entrepreneurs, the seminar “Starting a Business in Arkansas” is recommended as a first step.

Exceptional Customer Service

Any business can provide basic customer service, but not every business owner wants or has the knowledge to get to the next level – exceeding your customers’ expectations. In this program you will learn what it takes for employees to work as a team to deliver service that will keep your customers coming back again and again.

Advanced Facebook

This course is a step-up from our Facebook ABCs for Business seminar. Attendees will be hands-on with computers and will be shown step-by-step how to create various marketing techniques for their business on Facebook. Attendees should have basic computer skills and already have a personal Facebook profile.

Big Time Marketing, Small Time Budget: The Benefits of Social Media

Not sure where to begin with social media or why you should bother? Businesses of all sizes are using online tools like Facebook, Twitter, and blogs to connect with customers. We’ll show you five low-cost ways social media can bolster your current marketing efforts, and you’ll leave with your own social media marketing plan. Learn which social media are a good fit for you, where your target customers are looking online, and what it could mean for your business if your aren’t involved in social networking.

Facebook Timeline for Business Pages

The new Facebook pages design with Timeline has arrived. Regardless of whether you like it or not, the changes are here – it is best to prepare your page so your Timeline will shine. Make sure you are ready to take advantage of all the changes available with the new Timelines. They can make your page stand out from the competition IF you know some basic secrets! Join the SAU Small Business and Technology Development Center to learn how to put this powerful marketing tool to work for your small business! Here are just a few things you will learn about the new Facebook pages, including using the preview, timeline cover rules, how updates have changed, admin panel features, messages, featuring posts, “spying on your competitors” and what will happen to custom content on your page’s tabs.

Using Media Tablets for Your Business

Have you seen other business owners with tablet computers? Want to get a tablet for your business, but don’t know what you would use one for? Attend a hands-on workshop with the Southern Arkansas University SBTDC’s new iPad tablet lab. You’ll learn the basics of how to use a tablet computer. We’ll also explore built in applications as well as several downloadable tablet apps that are being used with success by other small businesses. Learn how you can process invoices in the field, teleconference with employees and customers, and much more!

Website in a Day

Does your business need a website? Have you been held back by a lack of funds or a lack of technical skills? Then, Website in a Day is the hands-on workshop for you! Come sit down with the ASBTDC’s laptop lab and design a free website using Weebly. You’ll be taken step-by-step through creating a free account and creating an attractive, functional, five page website. All participants receive a free 20-page workbook with detailed instructions.

Social Media Marketing Plans

Email Marketing

Email marketing doesn’t cost much. It doesn’t take a lot of time. And it’s effective! A perfect fit for small businesses! Target the customer you want to reach and get results with email marketing. Learn how to get your email opened, how to grow your list, and how to use Constant Contact software to create professional-looking email campaigns in a snap. No technical expertise is needed.

Boosting Business with Great Customer Reviews

Do you know what your customers are saying about your business online? Customer reviews through online sites such as Trip Advisor and Yelp are crucial to the success of a small business. Don’t overlook this vital tool for marketing your small business. This seminar will lead you through the various online customer review sites, how to create compelling business listings for the most popular sites, and tips for getting great customer reviews!

Business Financing Options

This seminar will explain how and where to get financing for prospective and existing businesses. Credit requirements, places to go for funding and the Small Business Administration’s loan guaranty program will be presented.

Get the Real Deal on Daily Deals

Have you heard of Groupon, LivingSocial, or other local daily deal sites? Daily deals – print, email, or mobile notifications that offer a discounted local service or product – can be very beneficial for small businesses. It just takes a little know-how. In this session you’ll learn: the good, bad, and ugly of daily deals; if daily deals are right for your business; best practices when using daily deals; how to incorporate them into your current marketing efforts; alternatives to daily deals.

Marketing Techniques for Small Businesses

A small marketing budget doesn’t have to mean restricted resources for your small business. Get an overview of general marketing techniques, accompanied by suggestions for small businesses with small budgets. Topics include how to create a marketing plan and calendar, determining your target markets, low cost marketing tools, image development and branding, and e-marketing.

Trade Show Marketing

Trade show marketing is often overlooked as an effective tool for reaching target customers. This seminar will take small business owners through the steps for creating an effective trade show look, as well as how to effectively market your business so you stand out among the other exhibitors. Trade shows are the perfect place to make face-to-face contact with potential customers and begin the process of building relationships — the key to an effective marketing plan.

The Truth about Grants, Loans and other Financing Options

Are you interested in finding a grant or loan for your business? Are you having trouble finding out the truth about grant opportunities for small businesses? This seminar is designed to help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to grants and loans. The seminar will cover specific grant, loan and other financing opportunities for both start-up and existing business owners.

Home-Based Businesses (NEW!)

Thousands of people are running businesses out of their homes. Are you considering joining them? This seminar will help you with business planning, ideas, requirements and more to get you headed in the right direction.

Emerging Social Media: Pinterest and Instagram (NEW!)

Join us for a fun and fast paced look at these emerging social networks. In this seminar we will explore how these social networks may fit your business and how to make these effective. We will also discuss time management tips on how to make sure you are spending the appropriate amounts of time on these social networks in conjunction with your overall marketing plan.

Web Store in a Day (NEW!)

Does your business website need an online store? Have you been held back by a lack of funds or a lack of technical skills? Then, “Web Store in a Day” is the hands-on workshop for you! You’ll be taken step-by-step through creating attractive, functional web store. All participants receive a free workbook with detailed instructions.

Free & Local: Small Business Marketing (NEW!)

A small marketing budget doesn’t have to mean restricted resources. Get an overview of general marketing techniques, accompanied by suggestions for small budgets. Topics include how to create a marketing plan and calendar, determining your target markets, low cost marketing tools, image development and branding, and e-marketing.

Selling on Etsy (NEW!)

Join us for an afternoon of turning your passion into a creative business. Learn what is a good fit for the Etsy Marketplace, fees involved, and best practices to selling your handmade and vintage items online.

Branding and Planning (NEW!)

Join us to learn new ways to design your business and learn the basics of branding for your business. We will discuss the basics of design elements and will focus on making your design elements more cohesive and professional.

Advanced Social Media Marketing + Ads (NEW!)

It is no longer a question of IF social media marketing will be right for your business, the question is HOW to use it RIGHT! Let us show you some ways to advance your business through social media marketing.

Marketing with LinkedIn (NEW!)

Presenters will teach the attendee about the history and growth of LinkedIn, managing your professional and business information on the internet, finding and being introduced to potential clients and subject experts, being found for business opportunities, posting job listings & gaining insights from private group discussions.

Build Revenue with Successful Sales (NEW!)

Are you looking for ways to increase your sales and revenue? Are you lacking the proper techniques and training for successful sales? If so, join us for this extensive seminar where we will teach you the proper ways to train your staff and successfully sell to your customers.