The StartHER Grant Program, administered by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) at Texas Woman’s University, is designed to support early-stage, woman-owned businesses based in Texas. This competitive funding opportunity offers financial assistance to startups seeking to implement innovative business activities that will drive their growth and contribution to the local economy. With a focus on women entrepreneurs, the program aims to address the common barriers startups face in accessing capital, equipping them with both funding and business development resources.
Each grant provides $5,000 in funding, disbursed in two $2,500 installments. The first installment is awarded upon grant agreement execution and documentation compliance, while the second installment is contingent upon completing a small business training course hosted by CWE, obtaining three hours of business advising, submitting a business plan with three-year financials, and showing receipts for the use of the initial funds. Grant funds must be matched with at least $500 (10%) of non-debt owner investment and must be used for eligible business expenses such as equipment, inventory, certifications, or marketing. Funds cannot be used for wages, property purchases, or personal expenses.
Eligible applicants must be for-profit businesses legally formed on or after September 25, 2020, and located and operating in Texas. Businesses must be at least 51% woman-owned and controlled by one or more U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Additionally, businesses must have no more than five total employees, including the owner. Ineligible applicants include nonprofits, current TWU students or staff, past grant recipients, and recent participants in other CWE programs. All business taxes and required permits must be current, and applicants must have no criminal convictions or pending litigation.
Applicants must complete an online application by 5:00 p.m. CT on Friday, September 26, 2025. The application must include all required documentation, such as entity formation records proving woman ownership and control, vendor quotes or estimates for budget items, and a company background and project narrative using a specific form provided in the guidelines. The application may be edited before submission, but once submitted, no changes are permitted. Applications missing required documents or with unclear responses will be automatically disqualified.
The selection process includes a review by a judging committee. Only one application per applicant will be accepted. Successful applicants are notified following the close of the application window. The final deadline for all spending and submission of documentation is April 26, 2026. Failure to meet deadlines or requirements will result in forfeiture of remaining grant funds. All communication must be directed to CWE via email at cwegrants@twu.edu. Phone inquiries will not be accepted.
All responses must be clearly stated and easy to find; do not bury answers in uploaded documents. Incomplete or vague applications will be disqualified.
