University of Arkansas OEI promotes Zoe Buonaiuto to lead business incubation

Zoe Buonaiuto was recently promoted to director of business incubation at the University of Arkansas Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation (OEI), according to a news release.

Buonaiuto joined OEI in May 2023 as associate director of entrepreneurship initiatives and has led OEI’s community-facing incubation programs.

Executive Director Phil Shellhammer said the OEI team has benefited from Buonaiuto’s strategic thinking, initiative to take on additional responsibilities and dedication to quality and timely project completion.

“These same qualities will allow Zoe to significantly impact our community and the entrepreneurs we support,” Shellhammer said. “With her at the helm, I am confident that we will continue to foster vibrant and innovative incubation programming to the benefit of all founders our team supports.”

Before joining the UA, Buonaiuto worked for several years with fintech startups and in investment management. She earned an undergraduate degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and a doctorate from Princeton University.

OEI provides free workshops and programs, including social and corporate innovation design teams, venture internships, competitions and startup coaching. It also offers on-demand support for students and entrepreneurs. OEI has 18 staff.