UAFS Center for Economic Development

We had so much fun at the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce today! 💙

Take control of your work and personal life with our 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course this July.

Based on the best-selling book by Stephen R. Covey, this class focuses on personal effectiveness, leadership, communication, and working successfully with others. Many participants find these principles truly life-changing — and the book is included!

Thursdays, July 9–30
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Registration Fee: $359

Register today: https://www.givecampus.com/schools/UniversityofArkansasFortSmithCenterforEconomicDevelopment/events/7-habits-of-highly-effective-people-july-2026

What an incredible turnout for Get on Board!

We were thrilled to see so many community and business leaders connect with local nonprofits to explore meaningful board service opportunities.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended, participated, & helped make this event such a success. We loved seeing new connections being made and conversations that will help strengthen the nonprofit sector across our region.

Together, we're building stronger boards, stronger organizations, and a stronger community. 💙🦁

❗FREE
Interested in growing your business through government contracting?

Join us on June 17 from 2–3 PM for an informative session covering SBA small business certifications, including WOSB, SDVOSB/VOSB, 8(a), SDB, and HUBZone programs. Learn about eligibility requirements, registration processes, and free resources available to help strengthen your government contracting opportunities.

Register: https://asbtdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/70372516

The CALL is a non-profit organization that mobilizes local churches to serve local children and youth placed in foster care. We provide a way for Christians to invite the mission field into their homes, to serve those most vulnerable in their communities. The CALL partners with the Division of Children and Family Services to recruit, train and support foster and adoptive families for children and teens in foster care. Our hope is to see a day where there are no children in Arkansas waiting for families. Because what children and youth in foster care need most is a family to care for them as they heal from abuse or neglect.

Check out their website https://thecallinarkansas.org/crawford-sebastian

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/TheCALLinCrawfordSebastian

The cutest entrepreneurs we know!

We hope all the kids had fun in our space this morning. If you are out today- make sure you stop by for a refreshing cup 🍋💼

We had a great time welcoming SPF America back to the Center for Economic Development for their second customized training with us!

Over the course of this 2-day strategic planning workshop, participants engaged in interactive sessions and hands-on activities focused on building strong, actionable strategies tailored to their organization’s goals. From collaborative group work to decorating cookies and even a “phones away” moment that sparked real connection, the energy in the room was outstanding.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner again and support SPF America as they continue strengthening their team and planning for the future. Thank you for choosing UAFS for your training needs!

TOMORROW❗

Join us for Get on Board: A Mixer for Nonprofits & Business Leaders!

This networking event connects local nonprofits with community and business leaders interested in serving on nonprofit boards. Meet organizations, build connections, and explore opportunities to get involved.

📍 Center for Economic Development at The Bakery District
🗓 Thursday, June 4
⏰ 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
💲 Free!

Want to sharpen your Excel skills this summer? We offer Excel I, II, and III classes throughout the season to help you build confidence and improve efficiency in the workplace.

Whether you’re learning the basics or advancing your data and spreadsheet skills, there’s a class for you. Get in on this and register today!

View upcoming class dates here: https://uafs.edu/ced/upcoming-events.php

Looking to grow your skills or train your team? UAFS offers new professional development and workforce training classes every month!

From leadership and OSHA training to industrial skills and Lean Six Sigma, there’s something for every industry and experience level.

Check out our upcoming classes and register today: https://uafs.edu/ced/