The Governor’s Commission for 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 chain for 2022 in partnership with the Beacon State Fund.
Texas ranks third among all states for women-owned businesses, with nearly one million claims. In 2020, Texas was named the number one female-owned business-friendly state in 2020 and had five of the top 50 fastest growing female-owned and led companies.
Small businesses across the state will be able to participate in two separate opportunities: the annual pitch contest and a series of free webinars.
“The wealth of knowledge we are bringing together as a commission will inspire and empower women across Texas,” said Amy Henderson, vice chair of the Governor’s Commission for Women. “There really is something for all industries who participate and gain something from the experience, as well as entering the pitch competition. Opening up opportunities to the younger generation of entrepreneurs with the Junior Pitch Competition is something we look forward to So proud and excited to see who applies among all ages.”
pitch competition
Women business leaders from each region of the state have the opportunity to enter a pitch contest, and potentially receive a $7,000 prize from the Beacon State Fund.
Judges are looking to identify creative ways entrepreneurs and business owners are navigating through challenges and formulating creative strategies as solutions.
Click here to fill the application form.
Click here to learn more about the requirements. Deadline is July 31st at 11:59pm CT.
The Commission is also unveiling the first ever Junior Pitch Competition, in partnership 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 in line with the mission of its program, 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 present a live pitch to the judges on the specified day listed below. Finalists will appear shortly 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 chain
The Governor’s Commission for Women was established in 1967 as a champion and resource for women in the state of Texas. It specializes in providing leadership through outreach, education, research and referral services. Specifically, the commission focuses on advancing opportunities for women-owned businesses in Texas.
This year, the commission will host a series of informational webinars for each region of Texas with the intention of sharing information about women-owned businesses and resources for women entrepreneurs.
The first four events in the series will take place in a virtual format, with the fifth and final event concluding in person. Each session focuses on a primary topic, as well as highlights the resources available to women-owned small businesses and entrepreneurs that may be untapped or unknown by community members.
Nathalie Parker, chair of the Governor’s Women’s Commission, said, “We wanted to be able to reach as many women and business owners as possible to give them resources and tell them there is hope and help – and through our webinar series. Provide great resources.” ,
The webinars are free and open to communities across the state covering 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 Business (Virtual)
- Wednesday, September 21, 2022: Managing Burnout and Employee Retention for Small Businesses (Virtual)
- Thursday, October 6, 2022: In-person South Padre Island Governor’s Small Business Series – Honoring Women-Owned Businesses
Click here to register for the webinar.
Parker said it is important for small business owners to seize the opportunity of resources from the commission, especially as the pandemic and rising inflation present more challenges.
“I’m a fellow female entrepreneur. And I understand how intense it is to always change, especially now, it’s owning a business,” she said. “It’s never easy but this is a time when we need to be stronger together. Be a community. We have to come together because the only way small businesses can survive is if the community supports their neighbors.” Is. “
She also encourages women entrepreneurs across Texas to get help through the new governor’s small business resource portal, which was launched in March 2021.