The Arkansas chapter of FBLA was chartered June 14, 1954, with 18 local chapters. Fort Smith high school was the first known Arkansas chapter to recieve a national charter. Arkansas Tech University, in Russellville, was the first college in Arkansas to affiliate with the FBLA national organization.

By 1971, the state membership had grown to the point that it was necessary to divide into districts just as the nation is divided into regions. Five districts were originally created. During the 1983-84 school year, the districts were expanded to allow for the further growth of the state chapter. The boundaries of the districts were adjusted to create a 6th district.

Then in the 1988-89 school year, the district boundaries were once again adjusted to accommodate the growth in membership. The new district officers for districts 7 and 8 were elected at the state leadership conference in April, 1989, so that the officers would be able to take advantage of the training opportunities offered at the state and national levels.