Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship

ACE's mission is to inspire, nurture & attract entrepreneurship across campus and in the community.

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

This is more than a building. It’s an investment in the next generation of innovators, leaders and entrepreneurs.

We’re excited to see the vision for the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship become reality and look forward to the impact it will have on SFA, East Texas and beyond.

[Stephen F. Austin State University @SFASU]

The future of entrepreneurship at SFA starts here. 🪓

On Monday, June 22, we will break ground on the Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship, a transformational new facility that will advance innovation, workforce development and economic growth across East Texas.

Made possible through the generosity of Ashley and Greg Arnold, support from @utsystem and the State of Texas, and the vision of countless Lumberjacks, this facility will help prepare future generations of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Join us as we celebrate this exciting milestone and another major step forward in SFA's bold future.

🎉 ACE Groundbreaking Ceremony
📅 June 22
🕥 10:30 a.m.
📍 Corner of Raguet and Hayter streets

#AxeEm

[Stephen F. Austin State University @SFASU]

Sweet opportunities are taking shape. 🍬🪓

Leaders from SFA recently visited Atkinson Candy Company in Lufkin for a behind-the-scenes look at one of East Texas' most iconic family-owned businesses. During the visit, company leaders shared insights into their domestic and international operations, the challenges facing family-owned businesses and the opportunities ahead for future growth.

The conversation also explored potential partnerships that could create hands-on learning, research and workforce development opportunities for students across multiple disciplines, including food science, nutrition, engineering, business and marketing.

As SFA continues to expand entrepreneurship, innovation and industry partnerships, collaborations like these help connect classroom learning with real-world experience while supporting economic growth across East Texas.

#AxeEm

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

Join us for the next Piney Woods Entrepreneurship Network meetup on May 27 from 5:30–7 p.m. at Fredonia Brewery! We’re excited to connect alongside the Rusche College of Business Alumni Social for an evening of networking with entrepreneurs, students, alumni and community members

[Stephen F. Austin State University @SFASU]

.@SFA_ACE has launched SFA 100, a new initiative designed to identify and celebrate the 100 fastest-growing Lumberjack-led businesses in the world. 🪓💼

The SFA 100 honors the success, innovation and impact of alumni-owned businesses that embody the legacy, values and entrepreneurial spirit of SFA. The inaugural list will be unveiled during a special awards celebration in spring 2027, but applications are open now!

Think your business belongs among the top 100? Learn more and apply today! https://t.co/l3wLIWVFAj

#AxeEm #SFA100

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

Join us in welcoming Dr. Amy Mehaffey as our new Associate Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship!

We’re excited for the impact she will continue to make in entrepreneurship and student innovation. Congratulations, Dr. Mehaffey!

[Stephen F. Austin State University @SFASU]

East Texas businesses are the backbone of our communities, and we’re committed to keeping them strong.

@SFA_ACE is proud to launch Purple Spikes, a business succession network connecting owners ready to transition with the next generation of entrepreneurs. With nearly 200 regional businesses and 2,000+ jobs at risk without a succession plan, this initiative is about preserving legacies, protecting jobs and fueling long-term economic growth right here in East Texas.

Whether you’re ready to sell or ready to lead, Purple Spikes is your connection! 💼💡

Learn more: https://t.co/kNTFVKkRBO

#AxeEm | #Entrepreneurship | #EastTexas

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

What a night at the 2026 Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition Finals!

5 finalists, an exciting poster session and over $20,000 in scholarships awarded.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, supported our students and helped make this event unforgettable!

[Stephen F. Austin State University @SFASU]

What a great night at the 2026 @SFA_ACE Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition! 🪓

Our students brought bold ideas, strong pitches and real innovation to the stage, competing for $20k to launch real businesses. 💼 #AxeEm

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

Meet our judges!

This year’s Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition is powered by a panel of experienced professionals and industry leaders who will evaluate each pitch and help decide who takes home $20,000 in funding.

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

Meet our finalists!

These outstanding student entrepreneurs are taking the stage at the Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition, each pitching their idea for a chance to win $20,000 in funding.

Who do you think is going to take home 1st place in this years competition?

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

Big ideas are taking the spotlight at the Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition!

Watch 5 finalists battle for $20,000 in funding and explore a poster session packed with student innovation.

Show up and support these student entrepreneurs!

[Dr. Neal Weaver @SFASU_President]

Always great to welcome Greg Arnold ’87 back to campus to see the incredible progress of @SFA_ACE and the momentum building across the university.

We are grateful for his continued support and leadership!

#AxeEm

[Stephen F. Austin State University @SFASU]

Student entrepreneurs took center stage at Trader Jacks! 🪓

Hosted by the Student Government Association, this biannual event brings students together to showcase their businesses, sell their products and connect with fellow Lumberjacks.

Events like this give students the opportunity to turn ideas into real businesses while gaining hands-on experience. ✨

#AxeEm #LumberjacksMakeGreatEntrepreneurs

[Stephen F. Austin State University @SFASU]

Get ready for SFA Night at the Nacogdoches Rodeo! 🤠💜

SFA and the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to bring Lumberjack pride to one of the region’s biggest traditions.

📆 Thursday, March 26
📍 Nacogdoches Expo Center
🕡 Doors open: 6:30 PM
🐂 Rodeo begins: 7:30 PM

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and all SFA supporters are invited. Wear purple and sit with the SFA section!

🎟️ First 100 SFA students (with ID) receive a FREE ticket + FREE t-shirt
🚌 Shuttle service from campus (provided by SGA)
🪓 President & First Lady Weaver in attendance
🎉 Greek Week winners announced
🇺🇸 ROTC presentation of colors + SFA student singing the National Anthem

#AxeEm

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

Ready to lead and innovate?

Entrepreneurial Leadership (MGMT 1399) is a hands-on elective course where you learn from real entrepreneurs, tackle challenges and build the skills to turn ideas into action. Open to all majors.

Register for fall 2026 and start leading with purpose!

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

We’re proud to announce the semi-finalists for the Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition!

These student entrepreneurs are bringing bold vision and innovation to the next round. Join us in congratulating our semi-finalists and stay tuned to see who makes it to the finals!

[Stephen F. Austin State University @SFASU]

Lumberjacks make great entrepreneurs! 💡🪓

SFA students won a total of $7,500 in @SFA_ACE’s Pop-Up Pitch Competition, turning bold ideas into real opportunities.

From innovative food concepts to sustainability solutions and smart tech, these Lumberjacks showcased creativity, grit and business savvy.

The future of entrepreneurship is bright at SFA! 💼✨ #AxeEm

https://t.co/qA1h1O21jZ

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

Have a business idea, side hustle, or product you’ve been working on?

The 2026 Lumberjack Entrepreneurship Competition is open to all SFA students in any major and gives you the chance to pitch your business idea and compete for $20,000 in funding!

Deadline to apply is Feb. 18.

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

Big stage. Big ideas. Big energy. Congratulations to our Pop-up Pitch Competition winners!

1st Place: Elizabeth Perales - Canned Tortilla Dough
2nd Place: Kaitlin Eckert - Bee-Neighborly
3rd Place: Madden Bennett - EverCup

Watch the winning pitch videos below 👇

[Arnold Center for Entrepreneurship @SFA_ACE]

Lumberjacks supporting Lumberjacks! 🪓💜

If you’re an SFA alum who owns or operates a business, this is a great way to get your business in front of fellow Lumberjacks who want to support alumni-owned ventures.

[Stephen F. Austin State University @SFASU]

Calling all Lumberjack business owners! 📣
Add your business to the SFA Alumni Business-Owned Directory and get in front of alumni who want to support fellow Lumberjacks. 🪓🙌🪵🌲

Join the directory at https://t.co/pKuwVmIW7A. @SFA_ACE