Demand for 1:1 Technical Assistance has increased 331% in 2025 vs. 2024
WHAT'S IMPORTANT
In addition to asking for the Senate Small Business Committee, Agriculture Committee, and Commerce Committees to continue to authorize these technical assistance programs, we also urge the Senate Appropriations Committee to:
FSGG
- Fund SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs at FY24 levels (see page 42) of $316.8 million which includes:
$7M for PRIME TA
$41M for Microloan TA - Fund the Treasury’s CDFI Fund at FY24 levels of $324 million
-While this is not technical assistance, it does provide financing opportunities for rural entrepreneurs who could not receive loans from traditional lenders like large banks
AGRICULTURE
- Fund USDA’s Rural Business Development Grants program at FY24 levels (see page 23) of $20.5 million
- Fund USDA’s RMAP TA at $5 million
ARKANSAS ENTREPRENEURS DESERVE YOUR SUPPORT!
Small Business Technical Assistance Programs include programs across multiple agencies (SBA, USDA, EDA) which support entrepreneurs on their small business journeys, from identifying sources of capital to analyzing their target market to evaluating their profitability.
Communities Unlimited is a Small Business Technical Assistance provider, serving our seven-state region by supporting entrepreneurs, especially those in rural or micropolitan areas.
Entrepreneurship is inherently risky, and this support not only encourages entrepreneurs across the US to start small businesses but also increases their likelihood of succeeding, filling a gap in the market that they have identified and creating good, local jobs. Small businesses supported through this technical assistance range from restaurants to childcare centers.
Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. Small businesses created 63% of the new jobs between 1995 and 2021 and account for 99.9% of all US businesses. The share of US GDP created by small businesses is 43.5%. In rural places, these entrepreneurs have a critical role in driving economic development.
These program funds are appropriated by a few subcommittees including Agriculture, Commerce, and FSGG.
Brittany Scott
SMART Reproduction
Jonesboro, AR
Since partnering with Communities Unlimited, Brittany Scott of SMART Reproduction in Jonesboro, Arkansas, has been scaling fast. Her company ships goat and sheep semen and embryos nationwide and internationally, improving livestock genetics and global trade.
LaTeasha Davis
Therapeutic Focus
West Memphis, AR
LaTeasha Davis grew up in West Memphis, Arkansas, facing a speech delay and limited therapy access. Now, with CU’s help, her business, Therapeutic Focus, has spent the past decade helping children overcome similar challenges.
