Seven woman-owned, startup businesses have been selected and funded to participate in one of two TechFW programs, courtesy of the Texas Woman’s University - Center for Women Entrepreneurs Education Awards.
The Center designated $1,000 and $2,000 awards for female entrepreneurs to participate in TechFW’s ThinkLab startup accelerator or SmartStart business incubator programs.
The winners were chosen based on the following criteria: 1) The founder is a female entrepreneur who is a major shareholder and decision-maker 2) The founder and business are in the state of Texas 3) The business is a for-profit company 4) The founder must own, have licensed, or be working on proprietary technology, a trade secret, or an innovative way of doing business.
"Receiving the grant from TWU was a huge blessing in terms of helping to launch my startup", said 2021 recipient Whitney Robinson, founder of Head to Vegas. "It came at the perfect time as I was pregnant with my second child and needed to plan financially for our growing family. Because of the grant, I was able to fully immerse myself into the process that TechFW has to offer and focus on my idea without having to worry about the cost. I can't thank TWU and TechFW enough for affording me the opportunity."
ThinkLab™ is a non-seed, startup accelerator that helps entrepreneurs determine whether there is sufficient value to pursue a product or service idea, identify potential markets, develop a path to market strategy, and learn how to communicate the value of the idea to early stakeholders and adopters.
The SmartStart™ business incubator assists leaders in developing a formalized business framework that enables them to work with coaches to take their company to market.
“Organically, we have created an organization and programs in which female entrepreneurs have thrived," said Hayden Blackburn, Executive Director of TechFW. "More than 40% of our clients are women-led and this partnership with Texas Woman’s University expands the opportunities for women that are 'building the future.' With new intentions and new alliances, we believe TechFW can be a force for good in reducing barriers and helping level the playing field for female founders of high-growth tech startups."
“We are happy that we can help these women take part in programming that will prepare them for entrepreneurial success,” said Tracy Irby, Director at the Center for Women Entrepreneurs.
Here are the award winners who will be starting their TechFW program in the fall:
Stellah Onyancha
Company: Jabss Inc.
Industry: FinTech
Program Award: SmartStart™
Stellah Onyancha joins our incubator to develop a global app that enables users to transfer money directly, instantly, and seamlessly. The app is in development and has begun trial testing.
Melissa Tammen
Company: 4-Mankind
Industry: Health
Program Award: SmartStart™
Melissa Tammen is working on developing a disposable, comfortable, and effective incontinence protection for men that keeps all the urine off the skin. The company has a design patent and soon will have a utility patent.
Kim Pallister
Company: Revision Medical
Industry: Health
Program Award: SmartStart™
Kim Pallister is the co-founder of Revision Medical. They are working to create and patent their SlideRight, a device that attaches easily to an existing medical bed and is designed to move a bedridden patient with a push of a button.
Ruby Bhayani
Company: Carewaves LLC
Industry: Software/Health
Program Award: ThinkLab™
Ruby Bhayani is working on an app that provides remote patient monitoring and nursing management services for elderly patients in rural areas. Bhayani is heavily skilled in clinical case management and brings her passion for healthcare to her business.
Sonya Webb
Company: Meathead & Potatoes, LLC
Industry: Food & Beverage
Program: ThinkLab™
Sonya Webb is working on a mechanical tool (designed in part with her daughter) that is a lightweight, collapsible transportation cart for restaurateurs. She has a provisional patent and is working toward manufacturing a prototype.
Mindy Hansen
Company: Sola Gratia
Industry: Healthcare
Program Award: ThinkLab™
Mindy Hansen's vision for Sola Gratia is to develop ideas based on human physiology to re-shape traditional healthcare paradigms. The phase of rehabilitation that is most difficult is motor learning and re-patterning. This innovative device can be utilized for neural patterning in those who may be temporarily immobilized, post-stroke, and a host of other maladies.
Niameh Freeman
Company: Red Puppy
Industry: Footwear
Program Award: ThinkLab™
Niameh Freeman's idea for electronic insoles came to her in a dream. She envisions them with connectivity through a smartwatch or sports app to monitor the pressure in your shoes and vibrates to help alleviate pressure and pain while working. Red Puppy has obtained a provisional patent and is working to fine-tune its prototype, sales packet, and business plan
About TechFW TechFW, at 24, is a startup accelerator and incubator. It builds, supports, and educates tech entrepreneurs by bringing together trusted talent and robust resources in an effort to equip startups for success.
About the Center for Women Entrepreneurs at Texas Woman’s University The Center for Women Entrepreneurs is part of TWU's Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership. The center provides tools for women-owned businesses to succeed, including business advising, funding, networking, and training.