As McKinney has experienced major city growth in the past year, the McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has supported various industry partners including women-owned businesses assimilated into the community.
The MEDC celebrates International Women’s Day by honoring female-owned businesses, entrepreneurs and partnerships in the workplace today. The corporation has provided access to financial support and given viable resources to women-owned businesses to allow room for job expansion and economic stability and improved living conditions.
Growth in female business sectors with innovation fund benefits
A technology boom has taken over the city of McKinney. An artificial intelligence engagement platform founded by Elle Watts, called dot.it, is just one of many women-owned businesses supported by the MEDC Innovation Fund.
“Founded in McKinney, dot.it reflects my vision to build impactful technology in communities often overlooked by the startup spotlight,” Elle said. “McKinney has given me the foundation and resources to grow, and I want to prove you can build world-class companies outside Silicon Valley.”
With the MEDC continuing to shape the future of McKinney’s technology space, dot.it has become a wonderful addition to the city’s community.
The platform assists teams in gathering key data from multiple sources to make business operations and processes move swiftly and efficiently. Ultimately strengthening client relationships, dot.it uses AI to help teams across the corporate sector fuel expansion in a dynamic industry. With valuable resources and a solid foundation, MEDC’s investment in dot.it has helped the startup company thrive.
Foundational women-owned business partnerships strengthen economic impact
MEDC Partner, the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, has taken initiatives in the Women’s Alliance of McKinney. As a supporting partner, the MEDC champions this program as it enables women's empowerment throughout the business industry.
The program holds events that focus on promotional development and networking opportunities, and it provides members with multiple resources to improve their skills within the corporate sector.
With the expansion of jobs in the McKinney area, through this program women can be empowered to build meaningful connections and access promising career possibilities.
The MEDC partnership with the McKinney Chamber of Commerce allows both organizations to have recognition and secure economic growth within the evolving city.
One of North America’s fastest growing product distributors, SRS Distribution, chose McKinney as a place for expansion.
“McKinney just has all of it in one place,” said Kara Greer, Senior Facilities Manager of SRS Distribution, “It's a great place to live. It's a great place for our employees to raise their families and then to engage in their workplace and their community.”
Established in 2008, the distribution center is now located in all 50 United States and 5 provinces throughout Canada. Not only does the organization provide roofing, pool and landscaping supplies, but the company also established the Raise the Roof Foundation, helping the local community by supporting veterans, families and providing disaster relief.
With assistance from MEDC’s Director of Business Retention & Workforce Development, Madison Clark, Kara has been introduced to new connections and growth in the community.
“They’re (MEDC) not just business contacts, they're actually friends,” Kara said. “Sometimes it's professional, sometimes it's personal, but that came out of a relationship with the city and with MEDC.”
Kara’s partnership with MEDC began at her previous organization and continued to flourish, leading to support in her journey at SRS Distribution. The MEDC has supported the company by making more room for growth and success by establishing important connections throughout the city.
Known for its beloved art scene, McKinney is home to a unique creative space with support from MEDC engagement.
“We were creating a women’s only collaboration space,” said Dr. Beth Beck, CEO & Executive Director of Millhouse McKinney. “I was new to McKinney but in McKinney, I had no reputation. The MEDC really stepped in—I had a champion who loved the concept and took me around to meet people in McKinney.”
Dr. Beck developed a concept to create a safe space for passionate, creative and motivated women to come together and pursue their dreams.
The MEDC brought in over 100 women to Millhouse’s first kickoff session; today, the space has various supporting partnerships throughout the community. From participating in this year’s Arts in Bloom Festival and upcoming Chalk It Up Festival, the company works alongside the city to shine a light on those who want to pursue their hopes and passions with ease.
With the MEDC welcoming various industry women-owned business partners to work alongside them, together, they have led the economic ecosystem to reach exponential growth.
From startups and nonprofits to large-scale enterprises, the MEDC values each company by aiming to achieve exponential growth within the community no matter the size.
Women-owned business partners and Innovation Fund recipients allow the MEDC to continue the mission of investing in relationships to attract business, strive toward future job growth and move McKinney’s position further along as an up-and-coming entrepreneurial hub.
About McKinney Economic Development Corporation
The McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) leads, directs and coordinates the broad-based expansion of the city’s business tax base and promotes sustainable job growth, thereby continuously enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of the McKinney area. For more information, visit uniquemckinney.com.
MEDC Press Contact
Luke Gajary | Marketing & Social Media Manager
972-547-7691
Frequently asked questions
How does the McKinney Economic Development Corporation support women-owned businesses?
The MEDC provides access to financial resources, growth support and networking through initiatives like the MEDC Innovation Fund and its partnership with the McKinney Chamber of Commerce's Women's Alliance. These programs offer tools and funding to help women entrepreneurs launch startups, expand jobs and scale operations within the city.
Which women-owned companies and local partnerships are driving growth in McKinney?
Key partners powering McKinney's economic expansion include AI startup dot.it (founded by Elle Watts), creative collaboration space Millhouse McKinney (led by Dr. Beth Beck) and SRS Distribution (managed locally by Kara Greer). Together with MEDC, these organizations foster job creation and community enhancement.
What is the primary mission of the McKinney Economic Development Corporation?
The MEDC leads and coordinates the expansion of McKinney’s business tax base to promote sustainable job growth and improve overall quality of life.
The above story was produced by the McKinney Economic Development Corporation team with Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.