BRF has announced a substantial $180,000 donation from Brigadier General (retired) Gerald Goodfellow to its Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) via the Dolores George LaVigne Endowment, a restricted fund that supports EAP operations. This generous contribution will significantly bolster BRF’s efforts to foster entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in the community.
“I attribute my business success to the invaluable support of BRF and EAP. Dave Smith and his team provided me with the tools I needed to turn my vision into a reality. It is my honor to give back to a program that has given me so much,” Goodfellow said.
Goodfellow’s investment in EAP demonstrates his unwavering commitment to supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. With this funding, EAP will expand its capacity to provide mentorship, resources and access to capital to entrepreneurs, empowering them to launch and grow successful businesses.
Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) Executive Director Dave Smith; Brigadier General Gerald Goodfellow, US Air Force (retired); BRF Director of Philanthropy Dr. Morgan L. Patrick; and John F. George Jr., M.D., BRF President and CEO are pictured in BRF’s InterTech 1 lobby at the Dolores George LaVigne Wall of Entrepreneurial Achievement. Goodfellow’s donation to the Dolores George LaVigne Endowment will support EAP operations and foster entrepreneurship and drive economic growth in the region.
“General Goodfellow’s investment is a game-changer for our community,” said John F. George Jr., M.D., President and CEO of BRF. “By empowering local entrepreneurs, we are not only creating jobs but also building a stronger, more resilient economy. This partnership with General Goodfellow is a testament to our shared vision for a prosperous future.”
“We are incredibly grateful for General Goodfellow’s visionary support,” said Dave Smith, Executive Director of EAP. “His generosity will enable us to accelerate the growth of EAP and create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in our region.”
Goodfellow’s philanthropic endeavors will have a profound impact on the community, and this donation is a testament to his dedication to fostering economic development. About BRF’s Entrepreneurial Accelerator Program (EAP) Since 2014, EAP has served as North Louisiana’s development tool geared toward facilitating entrepreneurial success by helping entrepreneurs create high-growth startups. Since its inception, EAP has vetted 1,730 ideas, which represent a total investment of $270 million and over 700 jobs with an annual payroll of $25 million.
About Brigadier General (retired) Gerald Goodfellow Gerald Goodfellow, a highly decorated and award-winning veteran, is a retired Air Force Brigadier General with extensive leadership experience in both the military and academia. He is the founder and CEO of the Small Business Consulting Corporation (SBCC), a company focused on connecting innovative businesses with the U.S. military. With a distinguished military career that includes setting a world record for the fastest non-stop flight around the world, Goodfellow brings a unique blend of strategic thinking and entrepreneurial spirit to his role.