Center awards new round of grants for women-owned startups
Oct. 29, 2024 — DENTON — The Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE), a program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, has selected 10 female entrepreneurs to receive $5,000 awards through its StartHER Grant Program, part of an ongoing effort to boost women-owned businesses in Texas.
The awardees were selected from a pool of 252 applicants across the state.
“We were excited to receive such a strong response from applicants this year, showing the ongoing demand for support and funding to grow women-owned businesses in Texas,” said Tracy Irby, director of the Center for Women Entrepreneurs. “The CWE remains committed to empowering Texas women entrepreneurs by providing essential resources and funding to fuel their business success and foster economic growth across the state.”
The following awardees will receive $5,000 to start or expand their businesses:
swipe to see the full table⇨
| Awardee | Business | City |
|---|---|---|
| Jessica Hernandez | JY Textiles Solutions | Garland |
| Pamela Baker | Corinth | |
| Stephanie Winston | Alpine | |
| Kathryn Graham | Center Point | |
| Tara Rhoades | Richardson | |
| Sarah Olivarez | San Antonio | |
| Puja Patel | Flower Mound | |
| Demira Devoil | Fort Worth | |
| Lauren Dunlap | Austin | |
| Cecile Wright | Houston |
Requests for StartHER Grant funding included purchases of heat press machines, technology upgrades, app development, professional certifications, enhanced marketing initiatives, and investment in specialized training. To qualify for the grant, eligible businesses must be woman-owned, for-profit enterprises, headquartered in Texas, and operating for fewer than five years.
Each awardee will participate in a tailored small business training program hosted by the CWE designed to build critical business skills and set up entrepreneurs for sustainable growth. The program provides in-depth guidance on business planning, strategic marketing, legal and insurance requirements, and sound financial practices. Awardees are also required to spend at least three hours of one-on-one advising with a small business advisor.
About the ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ Center for Women Entrepreneurs
The CWE is a program of ²ÝÝ®´«Ã½¹ÙÍøÏÂÔØ’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership. The institute is dedicated to preparing women to take on successful roles in business and public service to ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to run for public office.
Media Contact
Tracy Irby
Director, Center for Women Entrepreneurs
tirby@twu.edu
Page last updated 2:33 PM, October 31, 2024