CAMDEN — A local institution is offering free small business training at an event on Tuesday.
Southern Arkansas University Arkansas Small Business Training and Development Center will host a seminar to provide information regarding business financing options from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the new Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development located at 570 Ben Lane. The event is sponsored by Team Camden.
SBA Lender Relations Specialist Herb Lawrence and United States Department of Agriculture Business Program Director Tim Smith will serve as the guest speakers.
Lawrence has served as a Small Business Advocate for First Community Bank for over 20 years and is a retired major in the U.S. Army.
During his career he has advised and assisted in the area of banking and loans. He was the Center Director at the Arkansas State University SBATD for 17 years before joining First Community Bank and serving as an advisor and vice president.
He has an extensive career in helping start ups launch and existing businesses grow through free confidential consulting assistance, low cost training workshops and access to proprietary market research databases.
Lawrence is an online marketing enthusiast and an avid blogger according to his LinkedIn profile.
His specialties include Market Research, Marketing Planning including online marketing, Finance and Budgeting, Financial Analysis, Loan Packaging and work with military veteran owned businesses.
Smith has an extensive background in science and agricultural development. He serves as one of the top contacts in securing USDA related loans.
Topics will include
• Funding to start a business or expand an existing one
• Learn about the business financing process and different sources of capital
• Information on SBA-backed loans, USDA loans, traditional bank loans and microloans.
For more information call 230-5033