Denton, TX — August 20, 2024 — Texas Woman’s University’s (TWU) Center for Women Entrepreneurs is marking the sixth anniversary of its StartHER Grant Program, which provides financial support to women-owned businesses across Texas. The program, which is part of the university’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership, will begin accepting applications for the latest round of grants on September 3, 2024.
This year, the program will award 10 grants, each valued at $5,000, to selected women entrepreneurs. Since its launch, the StartHER Grant Program has distributed $500,000 in funding to 115 women-owned businesses, reflecting a strong demand for financial assistance among women entrepreneurs in the state.
Tracy Irby, director of the Center for Women Entrepreneurs, emphasized the program’s impact on women business owners in Texas. “As we celebrate the sixth anniversary of the StartHER Grant Program, our commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs in Texas remains stronger than ever,” Irby said. “These grants have played a pivotal role in helping women-owned businesses thrive, and we are excited to continue this journey of empowering innovative and ambitious women across the state.”
The grants are intended to support a variety of business needs, including the purchase of equipment, technology, inventory, and property improvements. However, they do not cover wages, salaries, or sales tax. To qualify, applicants must submit a business plan, complete a virtual small-business training course, and spend at least three hours with a business advisor.
The application deadline for the StartHER Grant is October 4, 2024, at 5 p.m. Interested business owners can find detailed information, FAQs, and the application form on the program’s official website.
The Center for Women Entrepreneurs, a division of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at TWU, is dedicated to preparing women for successful careers in business and public service. The institute’s three specialized centers aim to provide women with the necessary education, entrepreneurial skills, and frameworks to achieve leadership roles in various sectors.