A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP
Every bold transformation begins with a question.
In 2024, we asked ourselves: What would it take to build something entirely new— something relevant to today’ s economy and powerful enough to shape what comes next for Texas entrepreneurs?
2025 was the answer.
After a year of research, idea development, and vision casting, the Foundation for Better Business stepped fully into execution. This was the year we built. We created an entirely new organizational infrastructure, launched programs designed to meet the current needs of our state’ s economy, and achieved tremendous outreach— all with a small, scrappy, and deeply committed team.
What had been carefully designed became operational. What had been imagined became real. This was the year we moved from vision to velocity.
We cut the ribbon on Ignite sparked by BBB, our small business accelerator and hub for education, connection, and growth. We launched bold new programs, activated a high-impact core curriculum co-developed with Accenture, and formed partnerships that expanded our reach and deepened our credibility. Nearly 600 entrepreneurs engaged with our programs, supported by more than 65 companies investing their capital, expertise, and people.
Our thought leadership platform, Power of Better Business, launched in partnership with the Austin Business Journal, elevated values-driven leadership and delivered millions of impressions— proving that when storytelling is rooted in substance, it drives real impact. This was PR with a purpose.
We introduced new initiatives including Blueprint,
She Means Business, and NexusAdvantage, convened leaders through the Economic Resilience Luncheon, and celebrated momentum and gratitude at Ignite Momentum. Program revenue exceeded expectations with a 150 %+ year-over-year increase, creating a strong foundation for sustainable growth. We also formalized a strategic alliance with the U. S. Small Business Administration, strengthening the resources available to the entrepreneurs we serve.
None of this happened by accident. It happened because people believed— in the mission, in the vision, and in the power of small business to strengthen our economy. Partners leaned in. Volunteers shared their expertise. And entrepreneurs showed up ready to grow.
As we look to 2026, our optimism is grounded and clear. The infrastructure is built. The programs are proven. And everything we created was designed with scale in mind. The Foundation for Better Business has moved beyond launch— we are building what comes next.
Thank you for believing in the vision in 2024. Thank you for helping bring it to life in 2025. And thank you for standing with us as we build the future of better business.
With excitement and purpose,
Bethany Leffingwell, MPA
Executive Director Foundation for Better Business
Dr. Carrie Angell, EdD, MPAff
President & CEO Better Business Bureau Heart of Texas, Foundation for Better Business, and Heart of Texas Business Services
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