Arkansas in Top 5 Best States for Small Businesses
By: Rebecca Jeffrey
Updated: December 1, 2012
"It's challenging to be a small business owner but it's definitely worth it," Wendy Finn, owner of I.M. Spa in Fayetteville said.
Finn began I.M. Spa 6 years ago, first as a mobile business. Now she's stationed above one of the most well-known restaurants in Fayetteville on Block Avenue.
She's not alone in her success.
"Down here we have some of the most creative and incredible people and they wouldn't be here if they weren't driven to do, whatever it is that they do."
According to a survey conducted throughout the country, more than 6,000 small business owners were asked to grade how well their local stores were surviving.
Arkansas scored an A+.
"Arkansas is an awesome place to have a small business. The local business owners are fabulous, the community really understands shopping local," Finn said.
Finn said without the supportive community, Arkansas wouldn't have this success.
"They want an experience that they can't get in a big box shopping experience. What they get with us is an individualized, customized experience and they can't get that other places."
Some consumers agree.
"It's such a great feeling to walk in and know the person that you're doing business with and know that you're helping out the local economy," Brandy Bartholomew, a local shopper said.
As for start ups in the state, the future is looking bright.
"We want to grow and get bigger and do different things," Finn said.
Only 4 states received the A+ grade. Along with Arkansas is Idaho, Utah and Oklahoma.
Finn began I.M. Spa 6 years ago, first as a mobile business. Now she's stationed above one of the most well-known restaurants in Fayetteville on Block Avenue.
She's not alone in her success.
"Down here we have some of the most creative and incredible people and they wouldn't be here if they weren't driven to do, whatever it is that they do."
According to a survey conducted throughout the country, more than 6,000 small business owners were asked to grade how well their local stores were surviving.
Arkansas scored an A+.
"Arkansas is an awesome place to have a small business. The local business owners are fabulous, the community really understands shopping local," Finn said.
Finn said without the supportive community, Arkansas wouldn't have this success.
"They want an experience that they can't get in a big box shopping experience. What they get with us is an individualized, customized experience and they can't get that other places."
Some consumers agree.
"It's such a great feeling to walk in and know the person that you're doing business with and know that you're helping out the local economy," Brandy Bartholomew, a local shopper said.
As for start ups in the state, the future is looking bright.
"We want to grow and get bigger and do different things," Finn said.
Only 4 states received the A+ grade. Along with Arkansas is Idaho, Utah and Oklahoma.
