Texas Woman's University

10/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/29/2024 14:54

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 Core Four Productions, Corp Corinth
Stephanie Winston The Winston Homestead LLC Alpine
Kathryn Graham Central Provisions TX, LLC Center Point
Tara Rhoades The Sanity Plea LLC Richardson
Sara Olivarez Dawn's Harvest San Antonio
Puja Paten Clove Family Dental Flower Mound
Demira Devoil Devoil Logistics, LLC Fort Worth
Lauren Dunlap Copano Oyster Company, LLC Austin
Cecile Wright Neal and Nettie's Grocery 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 TWU Center for Women Entrepreneurs

The CWE is a program of TWU'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.

Page last updated 3:39 PM, October 29, 2024