WT Enterprise Center

We’re shifting the spotlight from "Meet the Judge" to Meet the Manager with our very own Michelle Howington!
As Program Manager and Coach at the WT Enterprise Center, Michelle works closely with applicants throughout the competition and beyond.

When asked what her favorite part of coordinating the challenge is, Michelle shared that she enjoys building relationships with entrepreneurs from a variety of industries and getting to watch them grow throughout the process and continue developing through Founders Club coaching.

We are grateful for Michelle's dedication to supporting entrepreneurs across the Texas Panhandle and helping them move their businesses forward

Meet AEC Judge Mike Moreland!

Every judge brings a different perspective to the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge. We asked Mike, Owner of Vitel Communications Corp., what he looks for first when reviewing an AEC finalist’s business plan, and his answer highlights the importance of consistency and clarity:

"The first thing I look for is continuity. Does the applicant’s website match the business plan, and does the overall story feel cohesive and intentional? I watch for a consistent theme, tone, and messaging from the website to the fact sheet, to the written plan, and ultimately to the final pitch. When those pieces line up, it builds trust and signals that the applicant truly understands their brand and their business."

A great business plan is more than strong numbers or a compelling idea. It is about telling a story that remains consistent at every stage. When the website, fact sheet, written plan, and final pitch all align, it builds trust and demonstrates that the entrepreneur has a clear vision for their business.

Colby Yeary Mission Assurance Officer and Acting Business Services Division Director at Pantex Plant.
brings valuable expertise in risk management, operations, and strategic planning to the selection panel.

His advice for applicants is simple: tell the story of your business. Strong applications clearly communicate where the business is today, where it is headed, and how it plans to get there.

Meet AEC Judge Joseph Huseman, Engineer and Owner of FLEX engineers !
In the world of entrepreneurship, the hardest lessons are often the most valuable. We asked Joseph about a brutal but essential business truth he has learned throughout his career, and his answer gets right to the heart of building a company from the ground up:

“Starting your own business is one of the most personal things you'll ever do. Many of the relationships you start at the beginning will stick with you (good or bad).”

Building a business isn't just about operations, it's about the people and partnerships you cultivate along the way. Thank you, Joseph, for sharing your real-world perspective with our applicants!

As Assistant Dean of the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business - West Texas A&M University and The Virginia Engler Professor of Management, Dr. Yarbrough brings valuable academic and strategic expertise to the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge selection panel.

We asked what she looks for when reviewing a business plan. Her advice is to make sure your business plan is grounded in research, supported by data, and backed by a clear path to ex*****on.

In observance of Juneteenth, the WT Enterprise Center will be closed on Friday, June 19.

Meet Amy Henderson, Vice President at Amarillo National Bank and one of our expert judges for this year’s Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge!
When it comes to reviewing applications, Amy knows exactly what separates a great idea from a fundable, sustainable business. Her top piece of advice for this year's contestants? Invest heavily in your preparation.

“Be prepared to invest the time and effort required to build a thoughtful business plan and a well-supported financial forecast.”
Thank you, Amy, for bringing your financial expertise and dedication to our local entrepreneurial ecosystem!

June news is live! 📰

Check out upcoming events and meet Michelle Howington, WTEC's Program Manager and read her thoughts on the importance of having a network of support.

Want to join WTEC's email list and keep up with business in the Panhandle? Sign up here ➡ https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/4EIWcVR