At SMART Reproduction, innovation has always been at the core of our work. Our commitment to advancing small ruminant reproduction technologies has led us to collaborate with organizations that share our vision of empowering local businesses and driving technological advancements. One such partnership is with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC), which has recently received a significant boost in funding to continue its mission of supporting tech-based startups in Arkansas. SMART Reproduction and ASBTDC are a powerful example of how small business need the unique support groups like the ABTDC provide to the comminity.
Building the Foundation of Success
The ASBTDC at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock was awarded a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as part of the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program. This grant is a portion of the $9 million distributed across 49 organizations nationwide to promote specialized training, mentoring, and technical assistance for startups.
Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA, emphasized the importance of investing in America’s innovative startups, noting that the support provided by America’s Seed Fund and programs like FAST helps bring groundbreaking ideas to fruition. The SBIR and STTR programs—collectively known as America’s Seed Fund—are a crucial source of early-stage funding, encouraging entrepreneurship nationwide.
SMART and the ASBTDC
SMART Reproduction’s journey with the ASBTDC is a testament to the power of local support and federal resources. Based in Jonesboro, SMART Reproduction has leveraged the resources and mentorship provided by ASBTDC to enter the realm of government funded SBIR (small business innovation research) grants. These grants stimulate technological innovation, increase the commercialization of innovations, and encourage participation by small businesses in research and development.
Our collaboration has equipped us with valuable market research and strategic guidance, helping us navigate complex funding avenues such as SBIR and STTR programs and ultimately receiving a National Science Foundation Phase I grant. This partnership underscores the value of having a supportive ecosystem for startups and research-driven companies in Arkansas.
The main goal of the FAST program is to ensure that underserved communities—particularly women-owned, rural-based, and economically or socially disadvantaged small businesses—have access to these funding opportunities. ASBTDC is working to close the gap and increase participation in federal research funding programs by offering mentorship, education, and targeted resources.
“We are honored to again receive the SBA’s FAST grant, which allows us to extend our support for Arkansas small businesses and innovators,” said Laura Fine, ASBTDC state director. “This funding enables us to reach more entrepreneurs across the state and empower them to pursue federal research funding opportunities through the SBIR/STTR programs.”
Navigating Federal Funding with ASBTDC’s Guidance
This support has been transformative for SMART Reproduction. Through ASBTDC’s services, we’ve accessed America’s Seed Fund and benefited from their in-depth market research and mentorship. Understanding our target industries and the assistance in navigating the labyrinth-like application processes have been instrumental in preparing competitive proposals for federal funding. The guidance we’ve received through one-on-one consulting has helped us shape our strategic direction and produce top-tier proposals.
ASBTDC will continue its work by mentoring 60 entrepreneurs and running its Lab2Launch Accelerator program in the coming year. This initiative is geared toward innovators seeking their first SBIR/STTR wins and provides comprehensive support, from initial proposal guidance to specialized training.
The accelerator’s virtual format ensures accessibility for entrepreneurs across Arkansas, allowing participation regardless of geographic location. Each cohort is tailored to specific federal agencies, and in 2025, the program will focus on opportunities with the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Moreover, ASBTDC’s Lab2Launch Accelerator, introductory webinars, and annual accelHERate forums provide a robust educational framework. These resources ensure that entrepreneurs, including women innovators, have the knowledge and skills to succeed. This inclusive approach is critical for fostering a thriving, diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem.
ASBTDC’s continued efforts to drive innovation and economic growth align perfectly with SMART Reproduction’s mission. Fine highlighted that companies like SMART Reproduction and FR8relay in Bentonville are prime examples of how access to America’s Seed Fund can catalyze local business success.
Driving Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth in Arkansas
By working together, ASBTDC and SMART Reproduction are advancing agricultural technology and contributing to Arkansas’s broader economic landscape. As we continue to innovate, we are grateful for the resources, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities provided by ASBTDC and the SBA’s FAST program.
Through this partnership, SMART Reproduction is poised to make an even more significant impact on the small ruminant industry, both locally and globally. We remain committed to our vision of building global climate change-resilient livestock production systems while contributing to Arkansas’s growing reputation as a hub for technological innovation and entrepreneurship.