Women’s business training program opens Abilene hub

April 3, 2023 — DENTON — An award-winning business program seeded at Texas Woman’s University’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership (JNIWL) that helps support women entrepreneurs across the state is planting a flag in Abilene.

The JNIWL’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs has tapped Abilene as a hub for the center’s AccelerateHER Program, which provides early-stage women entrepreneurs with resources and education to fast-track their companies into scalable and successful businesses.

The center has partnered with Domain Abilene, a woman-owned coworking space, and is now accepting applications from Abilene women business owners to take part in the center’s next training cohort, beginning in May. 

Six Abilene-area women business owners will be selected for the intensive program facilitated by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE). The program will provide the AccelerateHER cohort with 24/7 access to a private, dedicated workspace at The Domain; direct access to a business advisor and mentors; intensive entrepreneurial training from industry experts; and resources to create a media kit.

In a state-commissioned study about challenges of developing small businesses in rural Texas, survey participants indicated strong needs for assistance with basic business education, finance and insurance questions, IT training and marketing. Training in the AccelerateHER program helps bridge those challenges.

“The AccelerateHER program will bring the needed education and small business advising to women in the Abilene area,” said Tracy Irby, the center’s director. “Our center will provide support to women entrepreneurs to help them operate their businesses and build a skilled and dynamic workforce in the Abilene area.”

Abilene becomes the fourth location for the AccelerateHER program. The program launched in 2020 with a partnership with Stoke, Denton — a woman owned coworking space. It since has created hubs in Dallas and Houston. The program plans to rotate training hubs in other rural locations.