Blog
10 Years, 10 Lessons: When You Turn Over the Power
Who do you trust most in this world?
Think about that person.
Now ask yourself:
How many times have you laughed with them?
How many times have you cried together?
Trust isn’t built through compliance. It’s built through shared experience.
From One Business to Two: How Scymentress Built a Life of Abundance with JUST
When Scymentress joined JUST, she was already running Global Race Management — a business she'd built from the ground up. But she knew there was more potential inside her. She needed clarity, community, and the courage to think bigger.
JUST Community Launches Annual Savings Challenge to Build Financial Resilience for Texas Families and Entrepreneurs
JUST Community today launched its Savings Challenge, a comprehensive program designed to help Texas entrepreneurs build emergency funds, strengthen financial stability, and achieve long-term business success. The initiative empowers small business owners to save strategically while growing their businesses through structured savings programs and personalized coaching.
Justworks Announces 2026 Capacity Building Grant Recipients
Today, Justworks announced the recipients of its 2026 Capacity Building Grants. Justworks.org, the Social Impact branch of HR Tech company Justworks, is awarding three $100,000 capacity building grants to nonprofits dedicated to enabling founders and entrepreneurs facing extraordinary challenges in getting their businesses off the ground.
10 Years, 10 Lessons: Trust Is Built Through Action
In the last blog, I mentioned that I didn’t have a grand plan for how this was all going to work, only how I wanted people to feel.
After 10 years in global microfinance, the last thing I wanted to do was become a lender.
10 Years, 10 Lessons: From My Why to A Higher Purpose
The clock on my nightstand read 2:00 p.m. It was January 4th, 2016, and I was exactly eight hours into the rest of my life.
“What have I just done?”
Trust Is the Product: How JUST Builds More Than Capital
At JUST, trust isn’t a nice-to-have — it’s the product.
We talk a lot about access to capital, coaching, and community. But underneath all of that is a deeper truth: none of it works without trust. It's the invisible asset that makes our model sustainable, our clients empowered, and our impact real.
Why Joy Sparks Economic Growth For Ambitious Entrepreneurs
At JUST, we start with a simple truth: chronic stress from economic exclusion makes it harder to plan, dream, and make good financial decisions. That’s why creating moments of joy—breathing room, support, connection, and laughter—isn’t an afterthought in our program; it’s the foundation that makes transformation possible.
In this conversation, CEO Steve Wanta and Board Member Erika Ortiz share why “less stress + more joy” is at the heart of JUST, how it shows up in our work, and the powerful ripple effects it creates in clients’ lives and communities.
Less Stress, More Joy: What Transformation Looks Like at JUST
At JUST, our higher purpose is simple but powerful: help ambitious women entrepreneurs live with less stress and more joy.
Because when the constant pressure of making rent, paying bills on time, or putting food on the table starts to ease—everything shifts.
El Paso Entrepreneurs Are Leading the Way — And We’re Learning From Them
In our last post, we celebrated an exciting milestone: $1 million loaned to small business owners in El Paso. That milestone isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people. It’s about women who believe in their potential, take ownership of their growth, and invite others to grow with them.
At JUST, we don’t scale programs — we scale leadership. And El Paso is showing us what’s possible when local leaders lead the way.
The Power of Local Leadership: How JETAs Fuel JUST’s Growth in El Paso and Beyond
JUST has now invested over $40 million across Texas — and recently hit a major milestone: $1 million loaned in El Paso. It’s a big number. But the real story is how we got there.
Our growth isn’t because we built great technology. And it’s not just because our model works across geographies.
Wells Fargo Foundation Grants $550,000 to JUST Community to Expand Wealth Building Programs for Texas Entrepreneurs
Today, the Wells Fargo Foundation awarded a $550,000 grant to JUST Community, a statewide nonprofit that provides equitable access to capital and support to entrepreneurs. The funding, announced at the kick-off of El Paso Start-Up Week at the Garden Venue, will expand JUST's financial empowerment and coaching model, which builds relationships with entrepreneurs and focuses on their character rather than just their credit score.
Investing in Women, Strengthening Communities: The Power of Partnership with Texas Capital
Investing in Women, Strengthening Communities: The Power of Partnership with Texas Capital
At JUST, we know that capital alone isn’t enough—women entrepreneurs need community, coaching, and ongoing support to thrive. Thanks to Texas Capital’s investment in our GROW program, we’ve been able to provide all of this and more to Black and Latina business owners in Austin. Through their ongoing support, we launched the GROW community platform, a digital hub where women connect with mentors, peer coaches, and business resources to formalize and expand their businesses.
How JUST and Wells Fargo Are Transforming Lives Through Trust-Based Lending
JUST's partnership with Wells Fargo has fueled our ability to make a significant impact, especially in Central Texas. Since 2018, we’ve lent over $27M with a 99% repayment rate - $15 million of that has been in Austin’s eastern crescent, focusing on women entrepreneurs who are often overlooked by traditional financial institutions. Our trust-based model sets us apart—we never check credit scores, instead relying on relationships and trust to guide our lending decisions. We serve women deemed "credit invisible," those with non-existent or unscorable credit profiles, and provide them with the support and resources they need to embark on a journey toward financial independence.
A Texas-Sized Impact: Bank of America's Support of Women Entrepreneurs
This year, we are honored that Bank of America has renewed their support of JUST in Houston and made a first-time investment in El Paso! Bank of America has been a dedicated partner, and their commitment will help us empower even more Black and Hispanic women entrepreneurs throughout Texas.
Latina’s Legacy of Care: A Journey in Compassion & Entrepreneurship
At 41 years old, Latina, originally from Michigan, is transforming lives through her non-medical home care business, True Home Care Agency LLC, in Austin, Texas. Driven by a lifelong passion for helping others, Latina provides essential services to seniors, veterans, and those recovering from surgery. As a single mother and dedicated entrepreneur, Latina’s journey is one of perseverance, commitment, and a deep sense of purpose. With dreams of expanding her agency globally, she is determined to make a lasting impact on communities both near and far.
A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention: Meet Zen Ase
In a world often dominated by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding true fulfillment and peace can seem like a distant goal. Yet, there are those among us who forge paths that blend passion with purpose, turning personal challenges into powerful catalysts for change. Today, we’re excited to share the inspiring journey of a remarkable entrepreneur who has transformed her life through resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her inner voice.
Meet Zen Ase via this unfiltered interview and watch her short video introduction below:
Breaking the Chains: How Marial Lawson Washington Turned Adversity into Entrepreneurship
From the heart of Houma, Louisiana, to the bustling city of Houston, Texas, Marial Lawson Washington's journey is a testament to resilience and faith.
Raised by her grandparents and inspired by her mother’s adventurous spirit, Marial has faced numerous challenges, from homelessness to personal loss. Yet, she emerged stronger, becoming a beacon of hope and an inspiration to her family and community.
10 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Do That You Can Do Too
Becoming a successful entrepreneur may seem like a daunting task, but the habits and practices that drive success are often straightforward and achievable. Here are ten things that successful entrepreneurs do—and you can too.
The Ultimate Beauty Brand Launch Checklist
Crafting your brand identity is a crucial step in launching your beauty brand. This involves defining your brand's values, mission, and unique selling proposition. Take the time to research your target audience and understand their needs and preferences. Use this information to create a brand identity that resonates with your target customers.