Economic Development

Why Work with Arkansas Advanced Energy?

Partnering with the Arkansas Advanced Energy Foundation connects economic development organizations to a proven ecosystem focused on growth, workforce, and long-term community value.

We serve as an intermediary that helps align projects, partners, and funding to make advanced energy investments easier to implement and more impactful. Through our work, communities gain access to tools, programs, and partnerships that strengthen local economies and modernize infrastructure.

Economic development organizations that work with AAEF benefit from:

A collaborative ecosystem
Access a statewide network of employers, utilities, educators, local governments, and solution providers working together to advance economic opportunity through energy-related investment.

C-PACE financing support
Leverage Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) to help attract and retain businesses by reducing upfront costs for building improvements, manufacturing upgrades, and energy-related projects.

Workforce development pipelines
Connect employers to trained, job-ready talent through employer-driven workforce programs that align training with real hiring needs and regional economic priorities.

Stronger project outcomes
Projects become more capable, efficient, and resilient when planning, financing, and workforce strategies are integrated from the start. As a strategic partner of AAE, you receive even more helpful connections and AAE staff time and expertise.

A trusted intermediary
AAE helps coordinate across sectors, reduce barriers, and ensure investments are structured for long-term success—supporting communities that are healthy, competitive, and ready for growth.