Why We're Here
We train educators, equip classrooms, and give students real chances to think and act like entrepreneurs as they develop skills like financial literacy, critical thinking, creative problem solving and persuasive speaking.
Every child deserves the chance to discover and experience entrepreneurship: learning creative problem-solving, grit, hard work, teamwork, and the mindset that carries them through school and into life. That’s our foundation belief at Young Entrepreneur Institute, and it has fueled our the growth from our home region of Northeast Ohio to Northwest Arkansas, a region full of makers, founders, and family businesses, with students who deserve the same opportunity to learn shot at learning what it takes to build something of their own.
What We Do
YEI's Northwest Arkansas team works directly with K-12 educators and schools across Benton and Washington counties to make entrepreneurship education part of the classroom, not an add-on to it. Since launching in the region in 2023, YEI has connected with over 1,000 K-12 educators across Northwest Arkansas.
- Professional development for educators
Training, coaching, and ongoing support help teachers bring entrepreneurial thinking into any subject.
- Enspire Conference
Our annual gathering for NWA educators and administrators.
Explore Enspire 2026.
- Webinars
After-school PD sessions in partnership with Economics Arkansas.
Next session: Wednesday, November 18. Learn more and register.
- Classroom resources, on demand
Ready-to-use lessons and materials, built for NWA classrooms and available whenever a teacher needs them.
- Classroom workshops
Direct access helps teachers turn entrepreneurship lessons into hands-on projects.
- Guest speakers
Local entrepreneurs and business professionals who bring the classroom into the real world.
- Pitch Competitions
K-12 students in NWA have the opportunity to participate in national school year and summer pitch contests.
Contact Us
