West Wind Mahjong, Victory Lap, Lynch Architects Win 29th EnterPrize Challenge

Contact: Gina Woodward, 806-651-8502, [email protected]

AMARILLO, Texas - A tabletop game company, a gameday merchandise creator and an architecture firm each were awarded $100,000 at the 29th annual Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge on June 30.

The three businesses- West Wind Mahjong, Victory Lap and Lynch Architects-were selected to receive funding by a panel of judges following a six-month process.

The Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge, funded by the Amarillo Economic Development Corp. and managed by the WT Enterprise Center under the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business, supports local businesses aiming to expand their operations and create economic impact outside of the Amarillo metropolitan statistical area.

"This year's cohort has demonstrated an impressive commitment to growth, taking a thoughtful and strategic approach to strengthening their businesses. Much of that work happens behind the scenes-through coaching, mentorship, and preparation - as founders refine their vision and build clear plans to scale," said Michelle Howington, program manager for the WTEC.

"The Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge is designed to support entrepreneurs beyond the moment on stage, and we look forward to continuing that work with them as they move into their next phase of growth," Howington said.

Since taking over the program in 2001, the WTEC has worked with award recipients who have reported a combined $1.76 billion in revenue, $472 million in payroll and $97 million in capital investments.

"The EnterPrize Challenge is the quintessential example of WT's commitment to this region," said Gina Woodward, executive director of the WTEC. "We're not just cheering from the sidelines; we are partners in bringing new capital into the Panhandle. This program fuels our entire economic engine by creating jobs and opportunities through these incredible businesses for years to come."

Businesses taking part in the EnterPrize Challenge are located in Potter or Randall counties and export the majority of their products or services outside of the five-county Amarillo metropolitan statistical area, helping these companies grow while bringing new revenue into the region.

West Wind Mahjong, owned by Anne Potter, is a consumer products company creating officially licensed collegiate mahjong tile sets and accessories. West Wind Mahjong creates meaningful connection through thoughtfully designed game experiences, blending cultural nostalgia with modern design to inspire moments that are both mentally engaging and deeply social.

Their AEC funding will go toward the purchase of equipment to bring manufacturing in-house with plans to move into WTEC's Incubator, a program that provides workspace, resources and entreprenurial community and support.

Brittany Jackson and Bekah McWhorter co-founded Victory Lap as a collegiate lifestyle brand that designs and distributes premium, officially licensed goods and gifts.

They are introducing the first collegiate licensed quilted "boot bag" to market in the next few months, so their AEC funding will facilitate inventory increases as they expand further into the Southeastern Conference region.

Lynch Architects is an Amarillo-based architectural firm that was founded by Chuck Lynch in 1996. His son, Spence Lynch, and daughter-in-law, Denise Lynch, currently act as principals. They specialize in adaptive reuse projects and master planning, particularly in underserved areas where access to architectural services is limited and growth is increasing.

With AEC funding, they will invest in LiDAR scanner and Smart Board to service clients outside of the area more conveniently and efficiently.

Companies begin the Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge by atending a mandatory orientation and submitting an application. Eligible applicants advance through a multi-phase process including the Investor Fact Sheet and Business Plan rounds, with select finalists invited to present their business during an in-person pitch to the judges. Based on these evaluations, jduges determine which companies will receive funding and the amount awarded.

The EnterPrize Challenge provides funding as a five-year forgivable loan. This year, the $300,000 award will help businesses expand operations and generate an estimated $2.4 million in revenue in the local economy over the next three years to support Amarillo's growth.

"The entrepreneurial spirit of this region continues to shape Amarillo's future," said Andreas Eckstein, AEDC president and CEO. "By helping small business owners grow their companies, reach new customers and create jobs, AEDC is investing in lasting economic opportunities that benefit our entire community."

Returning judges for this year's competition included Amy Henderson, Amarillo National Bank vice president; and Mike Moreland, president of Vitel Communications. New judges serving two-year terms were Colby Yeary, mission assurance officer and business services division director for Pantex; Joseph Huseman, owner of FLEX engineers, a previous Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge recipient; and Dr. Jillian Yarbrough, assistant dean and WT's Virginia Engler Professor of Business Management.

America's SBDC at WTAMU, another department within the Engler College of Business, provided guidance to applicants throughout the competition, offering assistance with business plans, financial projections and market research at no cost.

"The Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge is a powerful expression of our college's commitment to innovation and deep community engagement," said Dr. Amjad Abdullat, dean of the Engler College of Business. "Our strategic plan calls for us to serve as an intellectual resource that contributes to economic growth, and these entrepreneurs are the embodiment of that goal. Their success reinforces our mission to foster leaders who make significant societal contributions, and we are honored to support their journey."

Partnering with and retaining community business to improve the quality of life in the Panhandle and beyond is a key component of the University's long-range plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

That plan is fueled by the historic One West comprehensive fundraising campaign, which reached its initial $125 million goal 18 months after publicly launching in September 2021. The campaign, which is now winding down, has raised more than $175 million.

About WT Enterprise Center

WTEC is a department of WT's Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business and works side-by-side with America's SBDC at WTAMU in supporting economic development throughout the Texas Panhandle. WTEC provides Panhandle entrepreneurs with business coaching, access to facilities, access to capital, and various other trainings and programs to assist them in growing companies with strong leadership. WTEC also aims to provide opportunities for College of Business students to intern in local businesses showing them the hard work and dedication entrepreneurs must have to be successful. To learn more about the WT Enterprise Center, visit wtenterprisecenter.com or contact [email protected] or 806-651-8500.

About West Texas A&M University

A Regional Research University, West Texas A&M University is redefining excellence in Canyon, Texas, on a 342-acre residential campus, as well as the Harrington Academic Hall WTAMU Amarillo Center in downtown Amarillo. Established in 1910, the University has been part of The Texas A&M University System since 1990. WT boasts an enrollment of more than 9,000 and offers 66 undergraduate degree programs, including eight associate degrees; and 44 graduate degrees, including an integrated bachelor's and master's degree, a specialist degree and two doctoral degrees. WT recently earned a Carnegie Foundation classification as a Research College and University. The Buffaloes are a member of the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference and offers 16 men's and women's athletics programs.

Photo: The WT Enterprise Center announced that Amarillo-based businesses West Wind Mahjong, Victory Lap and Lynch Architects are the winners of the 2026 Amarillo EnterPrize Challenge on June 30. Pictured are, from left, judge Joseph Huseman of FLEX Engineers; Michelle Howington, WTEC program manager; judge Dr. Jillian Yarbrough of WT's Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business; Gina Woodward, WTEC executive director; Colby Yeary, mission assurance officer at Pantex; Dr. Amjad Abdullat, dean of the Engler College of Business; Anne Potter of West Wind Mahjong; Andreas Eckstein, president and CEO of Amarillo Economic Development Corp.; Spence Lynch, Denise Lynch and Chuck Lynch of Lynch Architects; and Brittany Jackson and Bekah McWhorter of Victory Lap.

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