TWU Center for Women Entrepreneurs launches new $25,000 grant program

January 18, 2022 — DENTON — Texas Woman’s University’s Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) will be accepting submissions for its women’s AdvanceHER Grant Program starting on Friday, Feb. 4. The purpose of this program is to foster greater economic development activity in Texas by encouraging and enabling Texas woman-owned, small businesses to grow and expand their established business. This grant was created to support innovation, job creation and retention and high-growth entrepreneurship. The winners will be announced on Friday, March 25.

Ten grants, each worth $25,000, will be awarded to women entrepreneurs throughout Texas that have been in business for at least two or more years and have 3-20 employees. Preference will be given to businesses focused on information technology, life sciences, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

Grant funding may be used for the purchase of machinery, equipment or technology; acquisition of new inventory or raw materials; purchase and installation of fixtures or display units; property improvements; or other business-related activity that is aligned with the purpose of the program. Wages, salaries and sales tax are ineligible for funding.

Awardees must complete a virtual small business training course in April hosted by the CWE to receive funding. The one-day program will cover topics such as scaling your business, succession planning, financials and HR planning.

“We are thrilled to now offer this grant program to established businesses because it was originally set for 2020 and then COVID hit,” said Tracy Irby, director of the Center for Women Entrepreneurs. “It will help women business owners get what they need to take their business to a new level.”

Businesses wishing to apply for the grant must submit a completed online application before 5 p.m. on Friday, March 4. For more information, FAQs and to apply, visit: twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/advanceher-grant.