Five Round Rock-area businesses will receive support and guidance through a first-time program geared toward startups from the Round Rock Chamber. 

What you need to know: The Round Rock Chamber announced the selection of five startups making up the first cohort of its gBETA Round Rock program. 

The program launched in September and received 60 total applicants, according to a release from the chamber.

Austin Community College is broadening support for students who are parents by establishing Family Resource Corners, which provide essentials such as diapers, wipes and menstrual products, available at the Highland and Round Rock campuses.

What’s new: The Family Resource Corners are a part of ACC’s basic needs system, which aims to support students’ access to food, housing and mental health resources. They will be available in the Riverbats Bites Food Pantries.

“This partnership allows us to meet students where they are,” Cara Crowley, special advisor to the chancellor for Basic Needs Systems, said in a news release. “... When a parent can pick up diapers or period products on campus, that’s one less worry and one more reason to stay in school.”

According to the news release, approximately 1 in 3 ACC students is a parent. A study by the American Council on Education found that 18% of student-parents received a bachelor's or associate degree within six years of study, compared to 54% of dependent, non-parenting students.

The Austin Empty Bowl Project is returning Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 to raise funds to support Central Texans facing food insecurity.

What to know: Since 1997, the project has hosted annual events where attendees purchase handcrafted bowls to enjoy soup in and proceeds benefit neighbors needing nourishing meals. The nonprofit has raised over $1.4 million since its launch, as stated in a news release.

Interested participants will have two chances to get involved with this year’s event:

Austin Empty Bowl Project Preview Party
Attendees can select a bowl of their choice, hors d’oeuvres, soup, bread, drinks and door prizes.

• Nov. 22, 6-9 p.m.
• $125 per person
• Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin

• Nov. 23, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
• $30 donation per person
• Central Texas Food Bank, 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin

Here are the top Community Impact stories in the Austin area from Nov. 10-14.

1. Johnson Development planning 1,900-home community in Liberty Hill

2. Georgie’s restaurant in Georgetown serves up fresh seafood and cocktails

3. CI Foodie: Coffee, barbecue and more dining updates in Austin and nearby

4. Georgetown scraps Berry Creek Trail project due to resident feedback

5. Three Round Rock businesses slated for southwest corner of A.W. Grimes, E. Palm Valley boulevards

6. Proposed Skybox data center moves forward in Round Rock