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AT&T Expands Support for Women Entrepreneurs with She’s Connected and Small Business Contest

Prime Highlight

  • AT&T’s She’s Connected initiative highlights women athletes’ journeys and connects them with small business owners to inspire growth and leadership.
  • The AT&T Small Business Contest provides mentorship, visibility, and financial support to winners, fostering meaningful connections and community impact.

Key Facts

  • The 2025 contest received over 11,000 applications, a 75% increase from the previous year, with the latest winner being Nourish + Bloom Market, an autonomous grocery store.
  • Winners receive $50,000, a year of AT&T services, a new mobile device, mentorship opportunities, and a feature in a She’s Connected episode.

Background

AT&T is broadening its support for women entrepreneurs through the She’s Connected by AT&T initiative, a content series that highlights the business journeys of women athletes and connects them with small business owners pursuing similar objectives.

Launched in 2020, She’s Connected reached its 20th athlete episode. The platform highlights top women athletes like Michelle Alozie, Deyna Castellanos, Scout Bassett, and A’ja Wilson, who talk openly about ambition, challenges, leadership, and life beyond sports. Their stories are building a larger community focused on growth and opportunity.

Building on this momentum, AT&T introduced the AT&T Small Business Contest to extend its impact. The initiative brings together athletes and entrepreneurs to create meaningful connections, mentorship and real-world support. Winners receive $50,000 to grow their business, a year of AT&T fiber and wireless services, a new mobile device, mentorship opportunities, and a feature in a She’s Connected episode.

According to AT&T, interest in the contest has grown rapidly. The company received more than 11,000 applications in 2025, marking a 75% increase from the previous year. The latest winner, Nourish + Bloom Market, is the first autonomous grocery store with robotic delivery in the United States.

Founded in 2022 by Jilea and Jamie Hemmings in Fayetteville, Georgia, Nourish + Bloom Market uses AI technology to offer an easy and accessible shopping experience. The founders, inspired by raising a child with autism, work to bring healthy food to local communities. AT&T’s support has enabled the business to extend its operations to three new sites.

AT&T says the program is designed to do more than provide financial support, focusing on enhancing visibility, fostering community, and creating lasting impact. Applications for the 2026 AT&T Small Business Contest will open in spring 2026.

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