For the first time, two entrepreneurs from the Hub City have been named to Inc. Magazine’s Female Founders 500 list, which recognizes the country’s most dynamic and inspiring female entrepreneurs.
Allison Childress, a registered dietitian, and Michelle Alcorn, a professor of Hospitality and Retail Management at Texas Tech University, are the co-founders of sam, a web-based culinary medicine app that helps users, particularly those with multiple chronic conditions, create customized meal plans and grocery lists. The app addresses a major gap in healthcare by providing affordable access to dietary guidance, especially for individuals who may not have regular access to dietitians.
With a price point of just $9.99 per month, sam is designed to be both effective and accessible. Remarkably, the company’s journey began in Alcorn’s garage, where the team filmed and tested over 600 recipes in a single summer. Today, the app is helping people nationwide make healthier choices, and it all started in Lubbock, Texas.
“It has been so fun to see sam pursue their idea of creating something to help people with chronic conditions find easy solutions to creating meals that will help them stay healthy,” said Carolyn Rowley, Director of Retention and Innovation at LEDA. “I’ve watched this group of women from the beginning of their startup journey and seen the momentum they’ve gained even during challenging times, and I am thrilled to see them garner the recognition from others such as Inc. Magazine. These women are onto big and better things and LEDA is so happy it all started here in Lubbock, Texas.”
Why Lubbock Is a Thriving Environment for Startups
The success of Childress and Alcorn is part of a larger trend that underscores why Lubbock has become a competitive and attractive location for startups:
Affordable cost of living and business operations
Lubbock’s lower costs enable entrepreneurs to direct more resources toward innovation, development, and hiring, rather than overhead expenses.
Access to top-tier talent
Lubbock is home to Texas Tech University, a Carnegie-designated Tier One research institution, which offers a steady pipeline of highly skilled graduates and cutting-edge research. This environment fosters innovation and supports startups with access to expertise across disciplines, from health sciences to engineering and business.
Robust support systems
Organizations such as the Texas Tech University Innovation Hub and the Lubbock Economic Development Alliance (LEDA) provide entrepreneurs with critical support, including mentorship, business development programs, competitions, and funding opportunities.
Funding and incentives
Through partnerships, grants, and accelerator programs, early-stage companies can access the financial resources they need to scale.
Quality of life and work environment
Short commutes, affordable housing, and a strong sense of community make Lubbock an appealing location for entrepreneurs and their teams.
A spirit of collaboration
Unlike the competitive atmospheres often found in larger metropolitan areas, Lubbock offers a collaborative ecosystem where entrepreneurs can share insights, resources, and encouragement.
The Role of the Innovation Hub and LEDA
The Texas Tech University Innovation Hub at Research Park played an integral role in sam’s success. The Innovation Hub connected the team to grant funding, business competitions, and a network of entrepreneurs and advisors. Since opening in 2015, the Hub has supported more than 35,000 students, faculty, and community members. With the support of 20 partnering organizations, including LEDA, the Hub has helped launch over 100 local startups in just the past four years, driving economic growth and innovation across West Texas.
LEDA is proud to partner with the Innovation Hub in providing financial support and resources that help local companies succeed, strengthening the region’s economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Allison Childress and Michelle Alcorn’s success with sam is an inspiring example of what’s possible when innovation, entrepreneurship, and community come together,” said John Osborne, president and CEO of Visit Lubbock. “Texas Tech’s Innovation Hub has built an ecosystem that not only helps launch companies but also equips founders to grow as leaders. We’re proud to help support that environment alongside a community that champions its entrepreneurs. This milestone highlights the strength of Allison and Michelle’s vision and speaks to Lubbock’s unique spirit, where partnerships and a supportive setting help startups thrive and make a meaningful impact on society.”
A City Where Innovation Thrives
Childress and Alcorn’s achievement is a milestone for Lubbock and a reflection of the city’s supportive environment for entrepreneurs. As Childress noted, “All three of us are first-generation college students. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man, a woman, if you’re young, old, poor, or rich — you can be an entrepreneur.”
At LEDA, we remain committed to fostering this spirit of innovation by supporting entrepreneurs, providing access to critical resources, and ensuring Lubbock continues to grow as a hub for business and innovation.