the Governor’s Commission on Women is gearing up for its annual initiative to support women entrepreneurs across the state.
Over the next two months, it will mark the return of the Women-Owned Business Series by 2022, in partnership with the Beacon State Fund.
Texas ranks third among all states for women-owned businesses, with nearly more than a million. In 2020, Texas was named the number one state friendly to women-owned businesses in 2020 and had five of the top 50 fastest growing women-owned and directed businesses.
Small businesses across the state will be able to participate in two different opportunities: the annual pitching competition and a series of free webinars.
“The wealth of knowledge we are gathering as a Commission will inspire and empower women across Texas,” said Amy Henderson, Vice President of the Governor’s Commission on Women. “There really is something for all industries to get involved in and get something out of the experience as well as participate in the pitching competition. Opening opportunities to the younger generation of entrepreneurs with the Junior Pitch Competition is something we are very proud of and excited to see who is applying from all ages.”
LAUNCH COMPETITION
women business leaders each region of the state have the opportunity to enter a throwing competitionand potentially receive a $7,000 prize from the Beacon State Fund.
The judges look to identify creative ways entrepreneurs and business owners are navigating through challenges and strategizing creative solutions.
Click here to fill out the application.
Click here for more information on requirements.. The deadline is July 31 at 11:59 pm CT.
The Commission is also presenting a Junior Throwing Contest for the first time, in collaboration with lemonade day and the Beacon State Fund, to promote entrepreneurship among the state’s youngest business minds. The newly forged partnership with Lemonade Day is consistent with their show’s mission, which teaches young people how to start, own and operate their own business: a lemonade stand.
The prize for junior level winners is $1,000.
Finalists from each region will be invited to deliver a live speech to the judges on the designated day listed below. Finalists will be presented immediately after the Women-Owned Business Series event.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022: East Texas
Wednesday, September 7, 2022: West Texas
Wednesday, September 14, 2022: North Texas
Wednesday, September 28, 2022: Central Texas
Thursday, October 6, 2022: South Texas
BUSINESS SERIES
The Governor’s Commission on Women was established in 1967 to serve as an advocate and resource for women throughout the state of Texas. It specializes in providing leadership through outreach, education, research, and referral services. Specifically, the commission focuses on promoting opportunities for women-owned businesses in Texas.
This year, the commission will host a series of informative webinars for each region of Texas to share information on resources for women-owned businesses and women entrepreneurs.
The first four events in the series will take place virtually, with the fifth and final event culminating in person. Each session focuses on a main theme, as well as highlighting resources available to women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs that may be untapped or unknown to community members.
“We wanted to be able to reach as many women and business owners as possible to provide them with resources and tell them there is hope and help and provide great resources through our webinar series,” said Nathali Parker, Chair of the Governor’s Commission. for the Woman. .
The webinars are free and open to communities across the state and cover the following topics:
- Wednesday, August 31, 2022: Legal and Accounting Considerations for Small Businesses (Virtual)
- Wednesday, September 7, 2022: Finance and Supply Chain Planning for Small Businesses (Virtual)
- Wednesday, September 14, 2022: Marketing Your Small (Virtual) Business
- Wednesday, September 21, 2022: Managing Employee Burnout and Retention for Small Businesses (Virtual)
- Thursday, October 6, 2022: South Padre Island Governor’s In-Person Small Business Series – Honoring Women-Owned Businesses
Click here to register for webinars.
Parker said it’s important for small business owners to take advantage of the opportunity to get resources from the commission, especially as the pandemic and rising inflation present more challenges.
“I’m a fellow businesswoman. And I understand how intense it is to have a constantly changing business, especially now,” she said. “It is never easy, but it is a moment that we need to strengthen together. Be a community. We have to come together because the only way small businesses can survive is if the community supports its neighbors.”
She encourages female entrepreneurs across Texas to also seek help through The Governor’s New Small Business Resource Portalwhich was released in March 2021.