The American Enterprise Standard

Organizations apply to the American Enterprise Standard for different reasons.

Some want to test whether their systems are as disciplined as they believe.
Others want a quiet signal of seriousness for boards, lenders, or partners.
Many apply because decisions are getting harder, and intuition alone feels insufficient.

The American Enterprise Standard is a confidential, evidence based evaluation of how organizations govern, decide, and manage risk over time. It is not an audit, consulting engagement, or promotional award.

Who AES Is For

AES is appropriate for private companies, nonprofits, public institutions, faith-based organizations, and foundations of any size.

It is especially relevant when leadership is thinking about growth, transition, succession, financing, or long-term resilience.

Organizations do not need to be large, visible, or well known to participate. They need to value discipline, continuity, and credibility.

How the Process Works

Organizations participate by submitting written responses to a universal set of questions covering governance, operations, decision making, and risk awareness.

Submissions are reviewed by independent Judge Fellows using a structured rubric.

The process is designed to provide clarity without exposure.
Participation is confidential.
No public disclosure is required.

Recognition is selective and not guaranteed. Many organizations find the greatest value in the discipline of the process itself.

What Happens After You Apply

After submission, materials are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Organizations selected for recognition will be notified directly.
Organizations not selected are not publicly identified but will also be notified directly.

All participants complete the same process and are held to the same standard.

Administrative Details

There is a $ 500 administrative filing fee.

Applications are completed by email.
Submission instructions and timelines are outlined on the links found on this page.

Questions may be directed to aes@mahwikizi.com

When AES Is Appropriate

AES may be appropriate if your organization is asking questions such as:

Are our systems as strong as we believe
Would our governance hold under stress
Could this organization operate without key individuals
Are we disciplined in ways others can trust

If these questions resonate, the American Enterprise Standard may be a useful process.