The EAST Initiative was honored as the Arkansas Youth Entrepreneurial and Innovation Champion at the 27th annual Arkansas Small Business Awards Luncheon in May 2017.
The award was presented at the Embassy Suites in Little Rock.
“EAST is proud to be an important pipeline to an innovative, entrepreneurial workforce and is committed to providing opportunities to all learners,” said Matt Dozier, president and CEO of the EAST Initiative. “We are grateful to be recognized for the drive of our students, many of whom have found success as entrepreneurs themselves or by joining another small business, oftentimes before they even finish school.”
Hollis Peters and Roshan Patel, both juniors enrolled in EAST and Maumelle High School, joined Dozier in accepting the award.
The luncheon was hosted by the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and the Associated Industries of Arkansas. It was held to mark the end of Small Business Week, which took place from April 30 to May 6.