Former bank CEO to lead small business development at UAFS

Ty Barrett has been appointed director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center Regional Office at the University of Arkansas—Fort Smith.
Barrett brings more than 30 years of experience in finance and community banking to the position.
The ASBTDC provides free business consulting, training and market research services to entrepreneurs.
The center serves entrepreneurs across Sebastian, Crawford, Scott and Polk counties.

Ty Barrett has been appointed director of the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center Regional Office at the University of Arkansas—Fort Smith. There, he will lead efforts to support entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the River Valley.

With more than three decades of experience in finance and community banking, Barrett brings extensive expertise in business consulting, loan development and strategic planning. He previously served as president and CEO of Spiro State Bank, where he worked for 27 years, including 10 years as board chairman.

“I am excited to join the UAFS Center for Economic Development team and work with small businesses in the River Valley to ensure they have the resources and support they need to succeed,” Barrett said. “The River Valley continues to be a vibrant and growing area for new and existing business opportunities.”

Kendall Ross, associate vice chancellor for economic and workforce development at UAFS, said Barrett’s leadership background makes him a fit to lead the ASBTDC.

“Ty’s experience in banking and small business ownership gives him a deep understanding of the financial and operational challenges entrepreneurs face, making him the ideal choice to head the ASBTDC Regional Office,” Ross said. “His expertise in business consulting, loan development, and strategic planning aligns perfectly with the ASBTDC’s mission.”

Beyond his banking career, Barrett has been active in nonprofit leadership. He has served as vice chairman of the Carl Albert State College Development Foundation for more than 15 years. He has held leadership roles with the Trinity Catholic School Foundation and Christ the King Catholic School Foundation in Fort Smith.

“The center at UAFS offers a broad range of business development services and educational events at no charge to small businesses,” Barrett said. “I encourage business owners to reach out for assistance.”

Established in 2021, the ASBTDC Regional Office at UAFS provides business consulting, training, and market research services to entrepreneurs across Sebastian, Crawford, Scott and Polk counties. Ross said the center will remain a key resource under Barrett’s leadership.

“My vision is for the ASBTDC to serve as a dynamic resource center, supporting entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from startup to expansion, and contributing to the long-term prosperity of our region,” Ross said.

For more information about ASBTDC services, visit uafs.edu/ced/asbtdc.

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