Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: The Impact of El Paso’s Women’s Business Accelerator

What do a laughter therapist, a grant writer, and a self-identified history nerd have in common? Each of them is a small business owner directly served by the Women’s Business Accelerator in El Paso, Texas. This innovative program, the first of its kind in the city, focuses specifically on the unique needs of women entrepreneurs and business owners. With a generous $20,000 grant from the National League of Cities (NLC) as part of the 2024 Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant cohort, the City of El Paso launched this initiative to train and graduate women entrepreneurs within a six-month timeframe.

A Foundation for Growth

Sixteen women entrepreneurs participated in the accelerator, receiving expert training on how to expand their businesses, transition to digital marketing, and access a wealth of support organizations throughout the El Paso region. One entrepreneur aptly described the accelerator as a means to “build your house up,” emphasizing how it provided a solid foundation for scaling their businesses. For municipalities looking to replicate the successes of this program, three key learnings can maximize impact.

Leverage Local Expertise

Given the limited timeframe for launching the training and graduating participants, the curriculum needed to be tailored to the real-world needs of the entrepreneurs. The El Paso team partnered with Pioneers21, a local business incubator, and connected with organizations in the Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) network. This network comprises over 25 Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) that offer expertise in business development, access to capital, and workforce development.

Through these partnerships, the team developed a six-week course covering essential topics such as marketing, community resources, business planning, and leveraging diversity for sustainability and growth. Many ESOs attended specific sessions to answer questions, share resources, and foster long-lasting connections for the entrepreneurs.

Leverage Your Municipal Power

While partnerships are crucial, municipalities should not underestimate their own impact. The El Paso team utilized specific staff liaisons responsible for maintaining contact with accelerator participants. These check-ins allowed staff to provide additional information, such as how to become a preferred vendor with the city through the Office of Procurement. Municipalities can offer not only technical support but also valuable networking opportunities. As one participant noted, the accelerator provided “not only the tools to better manage my business but also the chance to meet other wonderful entrepreneurs.”

When designing programs, consider what services or connections can be integrated into your engagement strategy. Identify the natural next steps for participants as they progress through the program. What additional support will they need to utilize the skills, tools, and resources provided? Incorporating future engagements can enhance the program’s impact for years to come.

Meet the Needs of Your Participants

Entrepreneurs juggle not only their business obligations but also personal, family, and community responsibilities. The El Paso team recognized childcare as a significant challenge for many participants. To address this, they scheduled sessions on Friday mornings after school drop-off, accommodating working parents. Additionally, the program allowed children to attend sessions with their parents, ensuring that no one missed out on valuable training.

When developing programs, design elements with the target audience’s needs in mind. While childcare may be a priority for some, others might require transportation, translation services, or flexible learning hours. Understanding your audience’s unique needs fosters a more engaged and fulfilling experience.

Implementing These Lessons in Your Community

Every community is different, and program implementation may vary from El Paso’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator. However, municipal leaders can play an active role in promoting economic mobility, particularly for underrepresented groups. Consider your community’s needs, the institutions working in those areas, and how you can cultivate relationships to reach more residents. As local leaders, you have the opportunity to engage with residents in various aspects of their lives; leverage these connections to create more opportunities for your community.

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About the Author

Justin Chu is the Program Manager on the Economic Opportunity and Financial Empowerment team at the National League of Cities.

The Women’s Business Accelerator in El Paso serves as a powerful model for empowering women entrepreneurs. By leveraging local expertise, municipal resources, and understanding the unique needs of participants, communities can create impactful programs that foster economic growth and mobility.