With its economy deeply rooted in agriculture, Arkansas relies heavily on this sector, which contributes a substantial $16 billion to the state's overall economy. Notably, rice stands out as the leading export commodity, with Arkansas alone producing half of all rice consumed in the United States. However, the state's economic landscape extends beyond agriculture, as it is also home to prominent Fortune 500 companies, including Walmart, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, and the US headquarters of French aircraft manufacturer Dassault. Demonstrating its business-friendly environment, Arkansas has earned impressive rankings in recent surveys, such as being ranked 1st in the country for the cost of doing business and 2nd for the cost of living, according to CNBC. These factors collectively contribute to Arkansas's diverse economic profile and its appeal to businesses and residents alike.

Small business stats:

• 4.1 Million Small business individuals
• 53% of Arkansas’s workforce are Small Businesses
• 4.1% increase in small businesses from 2016-2020
• 94.886 Small Business Optimism Index

‍