Good evening folks. My aunt, after many years of hearing us talk about self defense and carrying concealed, is interested in getting a pistol and taking a class.

Anyone have a suggestion for a class/trainer in the Bryant/LR area that might be a good fit for a lady who has very little experience with firearms?

Let me suggest you take a look at the Well Armed Woman.  They have chapters in Little Rock and Hot Springs, with Bryant sitting in the middle.  They should be a good start.

https://thewellarmedwoman.com/where-do-i-start/

Arkansas Armory is where the Little Rock chapter meets to shoot together.  AA offers classes like a hanguns 101 and CHL classes.

https://arkansasarmory.com/index.html

Since, I assume, she's in the Benton/Bryant area the Benton Gun Club would be convenient if she wants a range for practice.

https://www.bentongunclub.org/

As previously mentioned, Arkansas Armory in Sherwood has a good Pistol 101 class.

I've sat in on the basic pistol class taught by Aaron's Gun Cabinet, https://www.aaguncabinet.com/ I learned a few things that I still use today.  I watched Aaron work with two new shooters who could not hit a 6" circle at 5 yards at the beginning of the class, by the end of the class they were making great hits at 25 yards.

Another store with a range and classes in the Benton/Bryant area is First Shot LLC, https://www.facebook.com/FirstShotLLC/. Hamid and the instructors that use his facilities are great with new shooters as well.

Thanks for the replies folks! I'll pass on the info

She ended up going to the range with a few ladies from her church and a gentleman who was going to let them try a few different pistols. She's frustrated with not being able to find ammo and shocked at the prices but I told her it'll get better eventually (and sent her a little bit to get started).