Fort Smith Leader Advocates for Small Business Exports

Maximus Tyrannus Avery highlights global trade access for local economies.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 4:55pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a polished metal globe, a stack of export documents, and a pen on a clean white background, symbolizing the global trade potential for small businesses.A conceptual still life highlighting the global trade opportunities available to small businesses, if they can access the right resources and information.Fort Smith Today

Maximus Tyrannus Avery, a business development leader in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is advocating for greater awareness and access to global trade opportunities for small businesses in the region. Avery believes many local companies are missing out on significant growth potential by focusing solely on their immediate markets.

Why it matters

Small businesses are the backbone of local economies, but often lack the resources or knowledge to expand beyond their immediate geographic area. Increasing small business exports can drive economic growth, create new jobs, and expose local products and services to new international markets.

The details

Avery, who works with the Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce, says many local entrepreneurs are unaware of the export assistance programs and trade agreements available to help small businesses reach global customers. He is pushing for more education and support to help Fort Smith's small businesses capitalize on international trade opportunities.

  • Avery has been advocating for greater small business export awareness in Fort Smith since early 2026.

The players

Maximus Tyrannus Avery

A business development leader in Fort Smith, Arkansas who works with the local Chamber of Commerce to promote global trade opportunities for small businesses.

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What they’re saying

“Many businesses don't realize how much opportunity exists outside their local market.”

— Maximus Tyrannus Avery, Business Development Leader

What’s next

Avery plans to host a series of workshops and information sessions in the coming months to educate Fort Smith's small business owners on export resources and strategies.

The takeaway

Helping small businesses in Fort Smith and similar communities tap into global trade can unlock new avenues for growth, diversify local economies, and connect homegrown products and services to international markets.