In Memphis, women aren’t just participating in entrepreneurship; they’re leading it.
In fact, Memphis was recently named the only major U.S. city where women own more businesses than men, signaling a powerful shift toward a more inclusive and representative economy.
At the University of Memphis, that momentum is cultivated every day through the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship, led by Whitney Hardy, whose work equips the next generation of founders with the tools, confidence, and connections to succeed.
Women Leading the Way
Leadership matters, especially in entrepreneurship, where women have historically faced barriers to access and opportunity.
Under Whitney Hardy’s leadership, the Crews Center continues to foster an environment where innovation is accessible, collaborative, and inclusive. Her role reflects a broader shift happening across Memphis—one where women are not only building businesses, but shaping the systems that support them.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, her leadership stands as an example of how women are creating pathways for future founders and redefining what entrepreneurship can look like.
Creating Space for Female Entrepreneurs
Memphis’ national recognition as a leader in women-owned businesses didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of intentional investment in access, education, and community.
The Crews Center plays a key role in that ecosystem.
Open to students of all majors and experience levels, the Center provides hands-on opportunities to explore entrepreneurship through real-world application. From pitch competitions and accelerator programs to mentorship and funding opportunities, students are supported at every stage of their journey.
For female students in particular, spaces like this are critical.
Access to resources is only part of the equation. Confidence, representation, and community matter just as much. By creating an environment where women can see themselves as founders and leaders, the Crews Center helps turn possibility into action.
Where Entrepreneurs Are Made
At its core, the Crews Center is built on experiential learning.
Students don’t just study entrepreneurship—they practice it. Whether they’re developing early-stage ideas or launching full ventures, they gain hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world challenges.
This approach builds more than businesses. It builds an entrepreneurial mindset rooted in creativity, resilience, and problem-solving skills that translate across industries and careers.
Why It Matters for Memphis
The success of women entrepreneurs in Memphis is a reflection of a larger, community-driven effort to create equitable opportunities.
Programs like those offered through the Crews Center help sustain that momentum by continuously developing new talent and connecting students to the city’s broader entrepreneurial network.
And when women are part of that growth, the impact is exponential.
More women entrepreneurs mean more diverse businesses, more inclusive innovation, and stronger economic outcomes for communities across Memphis.
Building the Future, Together
Entrepreneurship is about creating something that didn’t exist before, and in Memphis, women are doing exactly that.
Through Whitney Hardy’s leadership and the work happening at the Crews Center for Entrepreneurship, students are gaining the tools to not only participate in that future but to lead it.
Because in Memphis, the future of entrepreneurship isn’t just innovative—it’s inclusive.
