Business Starter Kit
EDCEverything you need to start a business in Newport.
NEDC · Chamber · Communities Unlimited
Resources for new businesses
Free Step-by-Step Guide
Free Download
Get the Complete Business Starter Kit
A fillable PDF covering every step from idea to opening day. Download it, fill it in on your computer, and use it as a working checklist for your new business.
PDF·~518 KB·Fillable PDF
What's Inside the Kit
Six stages that take you from idea to opening day
Step-by-Step
6 stagesStep 01
Assessing Your Idea
Evaluate the market, validate demand, and determine whether Newport is the right fit for your business concept.
Step 02
Registration & Tax IDs
Register your entity with the Arkansas Secretary of State, obtain a federal EIN, and set up state and local tax accounts.
Step 03
Licensing & Zoning
Secure your Newport business license, confirm zoning compliance, and obtain any required permits before opening day.
Step 04
Financing & Incentives
Explore local incentive programs, ReNewport Grants, and financing sources available to Newport business owners.
Step 05
Opening & Operations
Set up utilities, hire staff, choose a point-of-sale system, and plan your grand opening in the Newport community.
Step 06
Marketing & Growth
Build a solid plan to market your business, engage the Newport community, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.
Free Expert Help
Two federally-funded partners that cost nothing to use
Two free technical-assistance providers help Newport founders launch, grow, and win contracts. Both are federally funded and cost nothing to use.
Technical Assistance Partners
2 partnersASBTDC
Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center
Free one-on-one consulting for start-ups and existing businesses — business plans, financing, tax, marketing, and e-commerce. Satellite office at the Tech Depot on the 2nd and 4th Fridays each month.
APEX
Arkansas APEX Accelerator
Free help winning federal, state, and local government contracts. NE Arkansas office at 209 Hazel Street, Newport, AR. Open Monday–Friday, 8am–4:30pm.
Questions? We're Here to Help
Call the Chamber or NEDC for one-on-one guidance
Local Support
Related Resources
Next steps and related documents for Newport business owners
Attribution
The Newport Business Starter Kit was authored collaboratively by Communities Unlimited, the Newport Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Newport Economic Development Commission, with input from a group of local volunteers.