Economic development is a set of programs and policies that aid in the creation, retention and expansion of jobs; the development of a stable tax base; and the enhancement of wealth. Economic developers perform the following activities for their business and communities: real estate development and commercial revitalization, workforce development, infrastructure and business finance, business marketing, attraction, expansion, and retention, community development, industrial rehabilitation and location, international trade, tourism development and many more.  

Fayetteville and Northwest Arkansas
Fayetteville is the third largest city in the state of Arkansas and is one of 4 big cities in the NWA metropolitan statistical area (MSA). The NWA MSA  is made up of Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville, and includes Benton, Washington and Madison counties. NWA doubled in population between 1990 and 2010 and continues to grow rapidly. Growth is driven by the 3 fortune 500 companies based in NWA: Walmart, Tyson Foods, and JB Hunt Transport Services, over 1,300 suppliers and vendors drawn to NWA by large business, and the state's flagship university, the University of Arkansas. 

NWA currently enjoys a vibrant economy with rapid population growth, increasing jobs creation, low unemployment rate and excellent quality of life amenities.  
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Economic Development Resources

• Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC)
• Startup Junkie
• Arkansas World Trade Center for importing and exporting
• Arkansas Food Innovation Center
• US Chamber of Commerce
• Small Business Administration (SBA) Build Your Business Plan
• Arkansas Research and Development Park (ARTP)
• Hidden Star
• Arkansas Apprenticeship