SBA issues grant to open office for women entrepreneurs in Austin

The U.S. Small Business Administration has awarded a grant to establish a Women’s Business Center in Austin. Administered by the Foundation for Better Business, the WBC will provide resources such as education, training and access to loans to support women-owned businesses in the city. The initiative addresses a long-standing gap, as Austin was previously the largest Texas city without an SBA office dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs. The grant and office opening align with a recommendation from the Mayor’s Task Force for Austin Women Entrepreneurs, which was formed in 2023 to foster a more equitable business environment. Bethany Leffingwell, director of development for Austin’s Better Business Bureau, and Mayor Kirk Watson played key roles in advocating for the grant. The new center aims to reduce barriers for women entrepreneurs and contribute to a more inclusive local economy. Details on the center’s launch timeline and specific programming will be announced in the coming months.