New Center to Assist Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs in Southeast Arkansas

Alumna Henry Named Director of Regional Office

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) has selected Angelisa Henry ’09 to lead its new regional office of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center. The new center serves entrepreneurs and businesses in Jefferson, Arkansas, Monroe and Phillips counties. UAPB joins 10 other universities and colleges in ASBTDC’s statewide network.

The program assists Arkansans who are starting new businesses, buying established businesses, looking to expand existing businesses or commercializing research or technology. ASBTDC’s one-on-one consulting services are confidential, tailored to each individual business and provided free of charge.

ASBTDC also offers online and in-person educational events, often with local partners.

“We are excited to collaborate with UAPB, a strong HBCU, to serve this region of the Arkansas Delta. The university’s commitment to meeting the social and economic needs of this area makes it an ideal partner, and we expect to see increased participation in the ASBTDC program through referrals from local lenders, economic development organizations and community leaders,” said ASBTDC State Director Laura Fine.

UAPB is the first historically Black college or university to join ASBTDC and the fourth regional host added in the past year. According to Fine, the new regional offices increase access to ASBTDC services for Arkansans wanting to start, strengthen, or grow a business.

“Our long-time partnership with higher education is a proven delivery system for ASBTDC’s entrepreneurial and small business services, and these new offices expand our reach into both rural and urban areas of the state,” said Fine.

Since earning her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Henry has worked for the Alzheimer’s Association, Walmart Corporate Office and the university, most recently as a career coach in the Office of Career Services. She also completed her MBA.

“I look forward to providing a wide range of support for starting or expanding a business. These various businesses are imperative to the sustainability and revitalization of our communities,” said Henry.

Part of the university’s Economic Research and Development Center, the new office is located in downtown Pine Bluff in the Business Support Incubator and Office Complex.

To begin consulting with Henry or learn more about ASBTDC services, call 870.575.8033 or email uapb@asbtdc.org.