Arkansas Entrepreneur Spotlight
Each month, AEDC’s Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division shines a light on an Arkansas entrepreneur as part of its “Arkansas Entrepreneur Spotlight.”
Ali Jabry, CEO & Co-Founder of Kwema
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SOCIAL MEDIA
Ali Jabry is an experienced entrepreneur and the CEO & Co-Founder of Kwema, a safety technology company addressing workplace violence across healthcare and frontline industries. Prior to Kwema, he co-founded an EdTech startup that expanded across five countries in three years, generating nearly $2M in revenue.
With over a decade of experience in building teams and scaling operations, Ali specializes in business development, partnerships, and deploying technology in complex environments. He speaks six languages and currently serves as Chair of the International Committee for the International Association for Healthcare Security & Safety (IAHSS), where he works alongside global leaders to advance workplace safety standards.
Ali is also deeply passionate about wildlife conservation, reflecting his Kenyan heritage and broader commitment to protecting both people and communities worldwide.
Kwema’s Smart Badge Reel™ enables employees to discreetly call for help and share precise location in seconds, improving response times and staff safety across healthcare systems, home care, and enterprise environments.
The entrepreneurial spirit created by our bold trendsetters has made Arkansas a hub of international commerce and is launching a new generation of dealmakers. Through a statewide network of partners and targeted tax incentive programs, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission is committed to empowering start-ups and visionaries with open collaboration, unparalleled resources, beneficial policies, and a willingness to get things done.
ARise Arkansas
ARise is a new initiative that helps tech and tech-enabled companies in Arkansas scale up, create high-wage job opportunities, and drive technological innovation. Learn more
75Strong
75Strong is a statewide program that trains economic developers and community leaders on entrepreneurship and small business development, in addition to providing direct technical support for Arkansas small businesses. Learn more
Arkansas Business Resource Hub
The Arkansas Business Resource Hub is a free and centralized online listing of organizations providing resources, programs, and funding for Arkansas entrepreneurs and small business owners. Learn more
ESO Monthly Call
Join us for our Monthly ESO & Entrepreneur Community Call, held the first Wednesday of each month at 10:00 AM CT. These calls provide updates from the Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) network, feature an Entrepreneur Spotlight, and offer an open forum for community members to share news, events, and opportunities happening in their areas. Learn more
Onward FX
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Onward FX (Founder/Funder Exchange) connects high-potential startups with leading investors through curated, one-on-one meetings. Driven by founder and investor feedback, the rebrand gives Arkansas’ startup ecosystem a clear, memorable identity that aims to attract national investors and showcase the state as a competitive place to build and scale. Learn more
News
AEDC Awards $2M to 12 Startup Accelerator Programs
December 08, 2025AEDC has awarded $2 million to support 12 Arkansas-based startup accelerators.
Read >Arkansas’ Premier Founder-Funder Event Goes Statewide with Onward FX Expansion
August 21, 2025Onward FX is expanding into a statewide program, giving Arkansas founders direct access to one-on-one meetings with venture capital firms.
Read >‘Meet the Buyers’ Event for Arkansas Small Business Owners to be Held on May 20
April 16, 2025AEDC will host a 'Meet the Buyers' event for small businesses and entrepreneurs on May 20, 2025.
Read >
