North Little Rock lies in almost the exact geographical center of Arkansas, and thus near the countrys geographical center as well. North Little Rock is within an 880-kilometer (550-mile) radius of of 103 million people (42 percent of the total U.S. population). Major market centers in the region include Memphis, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Kansas City, Oklahoma City, New Orleans and St. Louis.
North Little Rock is well served by the existing Interstate and Limited Access U.S. Highway System. Two Interstate Highways (I-40 and I-30) cross the city with Limited Access routes provided by U.S. 67-167; the I-440 loop around the area begins and ends in North Little Rock.
Proximity to other major markets is outstanding. For example, by highway:
- Memphis - 133 miles east
- New Orleans - 436 miles southeast
- St. Louis - 341 miles northeast
- Atlanta - 550 miles southeast
- Dallas - 351 miles southwest
- Tulsa - 284 miles northwest
- Chicago - 602 miles northeast
- Oklahoma City - 344 miles west
Local Advantages
The City of North Little Rock does not impose franchise fees on utility services. Electricity connections are made at no cost. See details on state-wide incentives for locating a business in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Tax Incentives
Through the North Little Rock Economic Development Corporation, the City pursues state economic development incentives for qualified local businesses. The North Little Rock Economic Development Corporation serves as the local coordinating entity for obtaining Federal Empowerment Zone incentives.
Financing Available
Municipal and County Industrial Revenue Bonds; General Obligation Bonds; State Loan/ Guarantee Programs; Certified Development Finance Corporation loans.
Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ)
Little Rock has an FTZ #14 in a 104,000-square-foot building on 11.33 hectare (28.0 acre) and adjacent to a 404.7 hectare (1,000 acre) port and industrial park that has water, air, truck and rail transportation.
Training
Arkansas Department of Economic Development Customized Training Incentives Program provides pre-employment and on-the-job training for new and expanding industries. Federal Training Programs are available.
Labor Laws
Right-to-work law forbids compulsory union membership for employment. Minimum wage is set by state and federal laws.
National Airport
The short 10-minute drive to the Little Rock National Airport is an added plus for North Little Rock. Travelers have access to American, Delta, Northwest, Southwest, TWA, United, Air Midwest, Continental Express, and other major airlines.
In a sense, Little Rock has become a "mini-hub" because travel is so economical, particularly to Texas and the Dallas market and the Little Rock-St. Louis fares; St. Louis serves as a hub for several carriers.
