The Center for Women Entrepreneurs is now accepting applications for the StartHER Grant Program, designed to support women-owned startups in launching new initiatives and driving early-stage growth through innovative projects.
Funding Information
The grant amount is $5,000. Funds must be matched by a minimum of 10% ($500) owner investment, which can be in cash, property, or equipment. This investment must not be associated with any debt and must be committed and available at the time of the grant application. The total amount can be included in your budget as owner investment.
All grant funds must be spent, and documentation must be submitted before July 31, 2025.
What Can the Funds Be Used For?
- Purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology
- Inventory or raw materials
- Merchandising fixtures and display units
- Professional business certifications
- Property improvements that will increase sales and revenue
- Marketing, advertising, and social media campaigns
- Any other business-related activity aligned with the program's purpose
What Funds Can't Be Used For?
- Wages, salaries, bonuses, or any form of compensation
- Real property, including land or buildings
- Regular monthly bills
- Sales tax
Who Can Apply?
Eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:
- Be a Texas woman-owned business (51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents) with five or fewer employees, including the owner.
- Be set up as a legal entity.
- Be located and operated within Texas.
- Be in operation for five years or less (formed after 10/04/2019).
- Be a for-profit corporation, partnership, LLP, LLC, or sole proprietorship (non-profit organizations are not eligible).
- Have all property taxes current if owning the business premises.
- Have all sales, payroll, and other taxes current.
- Have no felonies or convictions for crimes of dishonesty or breach of trust.
- Not be involved in any pending or current litigation.
- Operate with all required permits and licenses and conform to all state laws.
Ineligible Applicants/Entities
- Non-profit organizations and other 501(C) entities
- TWU faculty/staff or immediate family members (including spouse, child, parent)
- Current TWU students
- Prior grant winners of any CWE grant program
- Applicants who have participated in any CWE program in the last year, including AccelerateHER, TechFW, CWE Virtual Accelerator, or NTEETC/Foundations EDC awardees
- Current consultants with a contract with CWE
- Anyone who has served as a judge for any CWE grant program
0 Comments