Center for Women Entrepreneurs

The Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) is a program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership.

Tracy Irby gives a talk to local women entrepreneurs at a CWE event

The CWE empowers Texas women to build and scale thriving businesses through expert advising, strategic funding opportunities, and comprehensive training programs. Our professional network and curated resources equip entrepreneurs with the tools and connections essential for long-term success in today’s competitive business landscape.

Did you know?

Women-owned businesses represent 39.1% of all businesses and employ 12.2 million workers.
—State of Women Owned Businesses in 2024 - Wells Fargo

The number of women-owned businesses has increased 114%.
—Inc Magazine

Over 1,800 new women-owned companies are created each day in the US.
—NAWBO

News and successes More news & events

Two women business owners consult together at a table as others work in the background

Center to award $50K in business StartUP grants

woman entrepreneur holding a sign that says: welcome we are open

Center awards $100K in grants to rural Texans

a woman standing in a shop window holding up a small blackboard sign that says 'open'

Center to offer $100K in grants to rural businesses

A woman in military fatigues works at a home laptop as a young child sits on a sofa in the background

Center awards grants to veteran entrepreneurs

A split screen of a woman in camouflage military gear and one in business attire.

Center to award $25K in grants to women veteran-owned businesses

A female business owner who could qualify for a TWU grant

Center awards $50K in grants to women-owned startups

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Featured Events See more CWE events

All Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership programs and events are open to any resident of the state of Texas, regardless of sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or other protected characteristic. This includes the Institute’s funding opportunities, which are available to all eligible persons.

Page last updated 4:27 PM, September 10, 2026