Startup in Lubbock

From leathersmiths to fertility scientists, Lubbock is a hub of innovation where new ideas are celebrated and failure is viewed as an opportunity to try again. This West Texas mentality isn’t unique to the many entrepreneurs throughout the city. Success is driven by a hard work ethic, a little bit of grit and the support of a community that empowers small businesses to become a local staple.

With a plethora of resources offered throughout the “Hub City”, setting up shop is easily attainable. The investments made by the nearby universities including Texas Tech University (TTU) and Lubbock Christian University, as well as organizations such as Market Lubbock, Inc. or the Charles Adams Studio Project into each new idea, discovery and local need foster an ever-growing community. 

These programs include the Texas Tech University Innovation Hub at Research Park. Through this, researchers, scientists and other aspiring business owners are able to participate in programs such as Research Week, Red Raider Startup and TTU Accelerator. For more information on these programs, click here. 

Local startups like Good Line Beer have experienced tremendous success through their start at TTU. It is no coincidence that momentous startups originate from humble beginnings in a garage. For Good Line Beer, this is no different. Lubbock’s up-and-coming craft beer scene is bursting at the barrel with high-quality brews, like this one. Opening soon, brewers Chris Troutman and Shawn Phillips will officially join Lubbock’s eco-system of entrepreneurs and community of breweries. 

The diversity of businesses that make their way out of the Innovation Hub is far-reaching. Just as brewmasters chemically perfect a Stout, scientists in the medical field are thoughtfully creating solutions to common health concerns, like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Jennifer Phy, Ali Chappell and Jaou-Chen Huang make up the team at PCOS Innovations, LLC. Through the Innovation Hub, they have created a research-proven mobile application, PCOS-Diet, to help women diagnosed with PCOS. By providing a nutrition guide, grocery list, recipes, BMI tracker, motivational videos and resources for support, women are well-equipped with the information and support they may need to overcome the symptoms of PCOS. In early 2020, the startup was awarded first place in the TTU iLaunch competition, winning a total of $10,000.

Another local organization participating in the rising careers of professionals is the Charles Adams Studio Project (CASP). Through CASP, local, national and international artists are inspired by the vast possibilities present on the South Plains. Each artist admitted into the program is awarded studio and living space as well as other resources that may be necessary for young talent staking their claim in the arts industry. In return, artists are asked to sell their creations at the First Friday Art Trail, a monthly arts festival located in Lubbock’s Cultural Arts and Depot Districts.  

As a CASP Resident Artist, Cassandra Trautman creates elegant theater costumes for local theaters. Each costume is carefully constructed out of materials such as leather. Those not on centerstage are able to appreciate her work, as she does leatherwork in other areas including tote bags, wallets and journals. 

By fostering progress and paving the way forward through downtown revitalization efforts, Market Lubbock, Inc. provides a variety of avenues for emerging companies. The Downtown and East Side Grant program was created to incentivize businesses located in both downtown Lubbock and east side neighborhoods to set up shop. With facade and permittable assistance, Market Lubbock will provide financial assistance to offset expenses related to improvements made to these properties. If you are interested in learning more about Market Lubbock’s downtown grant program, please contact Jorge Quirino, manager of downtown & special projects for LEDA and Market Lubbock, at 800.687.5330.

Behind each small business and startup venture, there are individuals and families who have chosen to invest their time and resources back into the community that has played an integral role in the inception of their dream. 

“Anyone can come to Lubbock for half of a day and see what type of culture this community is about.”

Christopher Fisher
VXI Global Solutions