Texas Rural Woman Grant

The Texas Rural Woman Grant (TRW Grant), administered by the Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) at Texas Woman’s University, aims to stimulate economic development in rural Texas. The grant supports innovative business projects among small, woman-owned businesses located in eligible rural counties. This initiative intends to empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with the financial resources to expand and enhance their operations. For 2025, a total of $100,000 will be awarded through ten individual grants of $10,000 each. Eligible applicants must be for-profit businesses located in specified rural Texas counties, and must be at least 51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens. The business owner must reside in Texas, and the business must have been established in the state before May 20, 2022. Nonprofit entities and businesses registered after May 20, 2022, are ineligible. Additionally, the applicant must be free of litigation, felonies, or dishonest acts, and in full compliance with tax obligations and licensing requirements. Certain individuals, such as TWU staff, students, past CWE program participants, and previous grant winners, are also ineligible. Funds awarded through the TRW Grant must be used for projects completed within six months. Permissible uses include purchasing equipment or technology, inventory acquisition, property improvements that increase sales, and marketing campaigns. However, funds may not be used for wages, real estate, routine operational expenses, or sales tax. Successful applicants will receive their award in one installment after submitting and getting approval for all necessary paperwork. Receipts and documentation of expenses must be submitted by January 15, 2026. Applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 PM on June 20, 2025, with no revisions allowed after submission. Required documentation includes proof of woman ownership, a completed project narrative using the provided template, and supportive documentation such as quotes or invoices. The narrative must detail company operations, facilities, employment, project need, budget, physical description, employment projections, and economic impact. Awardees will also be required to complete three business training courses, develop a three-year cash flow plan, consult with a Small Business Advisor, and submit an itemized report of purchases made with grant funds. The grant agreement and a photo release must be signed prior to disbursal of funds. All recipients will receive a 1099 tax form from the university. For additional questions, applicants are encouraged to contact the Center for Women Entrepreneurs at CWE@twu.edu or 940-898-2895. The program is headquartered at the Old Main Building, 1210 Old Main Circle, Denton, TX 76209.