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Business Development

Big Valley Trailer in Wynne custom-builds every trailer ordered.

View our Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (PDF format <1mb)

One of the primary goals of EAPDD is to enhance the job creation by private sector businesses in the 12-county region. In order to contribute to this goal, the District provides limited technical and financial assistance to individuals and companies for the purpose of starting or expanding businesses.

Technical assistance involves counseling of individuals and companies regarding financing constraints and opportunities within the region. In addition, the District administers two revolving loan programs; one has been capitalized by the Economic Development Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce, while the second by the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development Administration.

Baldwin Piano Company in Trumann does much of the woodworking in grand piano production.

Both loan programs are designed for financing new business expansion opportunities, which will result in the creation of new jobs. Eligible activities for investments are generally the same for both programs, ranging from retail to manufacturing to a broad spectrum of service industries. The major differences in the two loan programs are service area, participation, terms of loans, and maximum loan amount. However, the two loan programs can be used in combination to jointly fund an eligible project, up to a maximum combined loan of $350,000. All loan applications are reviewed by a District Loan Review Committee, which has the final decision-making authority.

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Because both programs require the participation of other lenders, District staff frequently works with banks in the region, as well as with other public lending programs. Chief among these is the Arkansas Capital Corporation (ACC) a state funded development bank headquartered in Little Rock, which provides development capital for business and industry throughout the state. ACC maintains a field office in Jonesboro, located in the EAPDD offices. ACC works closely with District staff to seek out worthwhile business development opportunities. In addition, an ACC staff member sits on the District’s Loan Review Committee.

Download loan application forms.

For more information about small business loans, contact:

For information about Arkansas Capital Corporation financing, contact: