This Op-Ed originally appeared in the Houston Business Journal on October 6, 2017.
Women investing in themselves represent one of the greatest potentials for job growth, and my goal as governor is to make Texas the No. 1 state for women-owned businesses.
The nearly 1 million women business owners in Texas lead the nation for total economic clout — looking not only at growth in the number of firms owned, but also the jobs and revenue they create. Texas also tops all states for jobs created by Hispanic, African-American and veteran women business owners. And Houston ranks among the best metros for women-owned businesses, for startup activity and for young entrepreneurs.
If you are thinking of opening your own business or growing your small business, I invite you to register for the Governor’s Business Forum for Women in Houston on Oct. 11.
Whether launching a micro-enterprise employing the proprietor only or a small business hiring other employees, women are looking for the same opportunities as all entrepreneurs: more access to capital, fewer barriers to entry and greater freedom to grow. And Texas offers more of these growth opportunities for women business-builders.
The Governor’s Business Forum for Women, co-sponsored by my office, the Texas Workforce Commission and the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, is designed to help women entrepreneurs and business owners find answers on accessing affordable financing, hiring skilled employees, bidding on government contracts, marketing a business and more.
Featuring a wide range of seminars and expert speakers, the forum provides a great opportunity to build valuable business relationships and connect with industry specialists, government officials, service providers and other regional businesses.
You will be inspired by the stories of success shared by some of the most influential women in business in Texas, including Kendra Scott, the keynote speaker. Kendra Scott started her American fashion and lifestyle brand in her home in 2002 with $500 and a baby at her side. She now has retail stores across the country and a robust online retail presence, and recently expanded into home decor. You will hear about how a meeting with Warren Buffett led to her building a $1 billion dollar fashion empire.
Local women business owners will also be honored with a Governor’s Small Business Award for their contributions to the Texas economy.
Texas needs women-owned businesses to succeed. That’s why we slashed the franchise tax to spur job creation, removed roadblocks for veteran-owned businesses and reined in burdensome state regulations to allow free enterprise to flourish.
That’s why the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Education Agency and Higher Education Coordinating Board are working together to place our education system on a parallel pathway with the changing needs of Texas employers.
And that’s why the state of Texas established The Center for Women in Business at Texas Woman’s University to provide the tools for start-ups to succeed, including training, funding, coaching and networking opportunities for prospective business owners and students.
Women business owners are a powerful economic force, and my goal is to make Texas the most welcoming home for them. I invite you to take advantage of all the resources being shared at this forum.
For more information and to register for the Governor’s Business Forum for Women on Oct. 11 in Houston, visit ghwcc.org.