Arkansas: Resources

The Arkansas District Export Council (ArDEC) is a non-profit organization made up of experienced international business people. The council provides assistance to Arkansas companies interested in entering or expanding into the international market. ArDEC helps to increase Arkansas' global competitiveness by providing counseling and export assistance along with supporting a number of educational programs on international business and trade. Its site contains useful resources for those interested in exporting, finding trade partners, and doing business abroad. A calendar of events and background information regarding seminars and workshops held by the ArDEC are also provided.

The Arkansas Economic Development Commission's international business section contains information to help Arkansas companies export their products internationally. This section contains a list of international business resources.

The Arkansas Economic Development Institute provides research and strategies to state, community, and industry leaders to promote economic growth and enhance the quality of life in Arkansas. The AEDI site provides historical and statistical data, news, and publication resources on different topics related to Arkansas. 

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) is an economic development program that assists entrepreneurs with all aspects of business creation, management, and operation. ABSTDC assists entrepreneurs through its various services such as creating business plans, financial guidance, market research and analysis, and online presence. A useful resource library also contains documents and media that help entrepreneurs with business plans, exporting, and financing a business.

The Arkansas World Trade Center (ARWTC) works with the University of Arkansas to promote international trade throughout the state and region. The organization provides international trade services such as international trade development, market research, translation services, and business support to companies and individuals.

The Arkansas branch of the Department of Commerce specializes in helping small-to-medium sized companies export goods and services and compete in international markets. The staff of international trade specialists offers U.S. companies various services such as market intelligence, trade counseling, business matchmaking, and advocacy/commercial diplomacy support. Fees vary and are based on the service being provided.

The University of Arkansas Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER) provides a wealth of economic information for Arkansas such as macroeconomic data, financial data, price indices, employment data, and population data. Numerous publications and special studies about the economy and its industries are also published on the website.