About Us

The Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation (AEAF) was established in 1999 to serve as an education-based nonprofit organization focused on youth and adult entrepreneurship.

AEAF’s mission is to educate budding and seasoned entrepreneurs while fostering economic development. The Arkansas Economic Acceleration Foundation actively engages, either directly or indirectly, in any and all activities that will educate, promote and foster the development of innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth within the state of Arkansas.

Mission

AEAF has found entrepreneurship education a vital means to give students an experiential learning experience in math and financial literacy skills, improved grammar and social skills, leadership and citizenship skills as well as marketing and basic business skills. Meanwhile students are empowered to be creative, innovative and take initiative through this program. These are critical skills as Arkansas looks to diversify its economic development portfolio with innovative entrepreneurs starting technology or knowledge-based companies. Having a strong history in creating manufacturing jobs, those jobs must convert to knowledge-based jobs for the future of the state in employing tomorrow’s new adults. Through the Y.E.S. entrepreneurship education program, students learn they have the ability to create their own jobs and shape their future.