How many small businesses are in Arkansas?

Arkansas has approximately 264,000 small businesses, representing 99.3 percent of all businesses in the state. They employ 482,000 workers — 41.2 percent of Arkansas's private workforce. Source: SBA Office of Advocacy, 2024 Small Business Profile.

How active is SBA 7(a) lending in Arkansas?

Arkansas received 567 SBA 7(a) loan approvals in FY2024, totaling $226 million. The average loan size was approximately $399,000. Source: SBA FOIA loan dataset, FY2024 aggregate.

Does Arkansas have a commercial financing disclosure law?

No. Arkansas has not enacted a statewide commercial financing disclosure law as of 2026.

What financing products work best for Arkansas small businesses?

Trucking and logistics businesses use equipment financing. Agricultural businesses use equipment loans and working capital. Walmart-adjacent supplier SMBs use working capital lines. Healthcare practices access SBA 7(a). The right product depends on your industry and revenue.

Is ClearValue Lending available in Arkansas?

Yes. ClearValue Lending routes Arkansas SMB applicants to lender partners operating across Little Rock, Fayetteville, Bentonville, Fort Smith, and statewide. We are a funding platform, not a lender or broker.

What are typical eligibility minimums for Arkansas SMB financing?

SBA 7(a) typically requires 2+ years in business, 650+ FICO, and $150,000+ annual revenue. Revenue-based financing may be available with 500+ FICO, 6+ months in business, and $10,000+ monthly revenue. All financing is subject to lender underwriting.

Small Business Loans in Arkansas

Arkansas has 264,000 small businesses employing 482,000 workers — 41.2 percent of the state's private workforce. In FY2024, Arkansas small businesses received 567 SBA 7(a) loans totaling $226 million, with an average loan size of approximately $399,000. Arkansas's SMB economy is anchored by retail and logistics (Walmart's global headquarters in Bentonville and its enormous supplier and services ecosystem), agriculture, and food processing — Tyson Foods' home state is one of the nation's largest poultry producers.