A “Build Your Health Business” presentation helped 13 select students in nutrition and health studies prepare for future entrepreneurial careers. The event, which took place Jan. 21 on the Denton campus, was organized by A Nourishing Space: Growing Entrepreneurs in Nutrition and Health Studies, a new program at TWU designed to help promising students in nutrition and health studies with interest in entrepreneurship build their skills, readying them to build their business post-graduation.

Presenters included:

• Tracy Irby (Center for Women Entrepreneurs), who discussed the basics of building a business, from choosing a business type, legal and insurance considerations, and basic information on writing a business plan
• Amy Goodson, a nationally known sports dietitian and author, as well as a TWU Nutrition alumna and founder of RD Jumpstart. Goodson spoke of the need to think broadly when branding your business, the need to avoid imitating others, and the five steps in developing a brand
• Tasha Whitaker, a speaker, trainer, community health worker educator, and founder of Crew Wellness. Whitaker, a TWU health studies alumna, focused on the importance of connecting with community and building relationships and told students to take risks in reaching out to professionals in their field.

A workshop with Goodson and Whitaker closed out the event. Students identified steps for the coming week, such as connecting with at least one health professional on LinkedIn and taking a step in developing their business brand.

“Build Your Health Business” was supported by a grant from the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership (JNIWL).