‘Start a New Business’ Series to Kick Off April 1

Contact: Gina Woodward, Regional Director, 806-651-5151, gina@wtsbdc.com

AMARILLO, Texas — The first session in West Texas A&M University’s educational series for aspiring and existing small business owners kicks off April 1.

For the “Start a New Business” series, co-hosts America’s SBDC at WTAMU and the WT Enterprise Center will bring together experts from across the region to provide education and support to all entrepreneurs, including those who seek to start businesses in neighborhoods that have long experienced a lack of providers.

The April 1 session is “Starting Your Business,” April 8 covers “Marketing Your New Business,” and April 15 is “Financing Your New Business.”

All sessions are from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at AmTech Career Academy, 3601 Plains Blvd. in Amarillo. There is no cost to participants and dinner is provided.

“There are many areas in the panhandle, both rural and urban, that lack direct access to needed products and services,” said Gina Woodward, regional director of America’s SBDC at WTAMU. “The ‘Start a New Business’ series provides education and resources to help combat those business deserts, bringing new life through small businesses that make is possible for families to shop for groceries or buy clothing without having to travel across town.”

The series is presented by the West Texas A&M University Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, America’s SBDC at WTAMU, and the WT Enterprise Center. This partnership gathers a mixture of business knowledge, experience, and voices from various professionals to help entrepreneurs start and build businesses that benefit their local communities and beyond.

“The Start A New Business series is a great opportunity to gain the education, strategies, and insights needed to launch and grow a healthy, successful business,” said Alejandro Rodarte, business consultant with America’s SBDC at WTAMU.

Free dinner is provided and door prizes totaling $450 will be given away each session. The sessions are sponsored by Prosperity Bank, City Federal Credit Union, and Amarillo National Bank.

“What an incredible opportunity for our community to learn the crucial steps needed to be a successful long-term business. We look forward to meeting everyone who hopes to start or expand their own business,” said Brian Enevoldsen, managing director of the WT Enterprise Center.

RSVPs are not necessary, and the events are free to the public. For information, contact Alejandro Rodarte at America’s SBDC at WTAMU at 806-651-5151, or visit wtsbdc.com/sanb.

WT is committed to serving the region and well beyond with successful entrepreneurs and business leaders who are empowered to lead others. Partnering and retaining community businesses to improve the quality of life in the Panhandle and beyond is a key component of the University’s long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign’s new goal is to reach $175 million by 2025; currently, it has raised more than $160 million.

About WT Enterprise Center

WTEC is a department of WT’s Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business and works side-by-side with America’s SBDC at WTAMU in supporting economic development throughout the Texas Panhandle. WTEC provides Panhandle entrepreneurs business coaching, access to facilities, access to capital, and various other trainings and programs to assist them in growing companies with strong leadership. WTEC also aims to provide opportunities for College of Business students to intern in local businesses showing them the hard work and dedication entrepreneurs must have to be successful. To learn more about the WT Enterprise Center, visit wtenterprisecenter.com or contact info@wtenterprisecenter.com or 806-651-8500.

About American’s SBDC at WTAMU

America's Small Business Development Center at WTAMU provides business consulting, training, and research in all areas of small business operations for both start-ups and existing businesses. Established in 1987, they have been providing no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to new and existing businesses. A department of the Paul & Virginia Engler College of Business at West Texas A&M University, the SBDC works in partnership with its sister department, the WT Enterprise Center, to serve small business owners across the Texas Panhandle. Funded by the State of Texas and the Small Business Administration, they contribute to the state's rapid growth through the creation of new jobs and workforce training. For information, visit wtsbdc.com, or contact info@wtsbdc.com or 806-651-5151.

About West Texas A&M University

WT, a Regional Research University, is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT, a Hispanic Serving Institution since 2016, boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. The University is also home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, the largest history museum in the state and the home of one of the Southwest’s finest art collections. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 14 men’s and women’s athletics programs.

—WT—