Center awards grants to veteran women entrepreneurs
March 11, 2025 ― DENTON ― The Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) at Texas Woman’s University has selected five female veterans to receive $5,000 awards through its Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant program, which supports women veterans as they launch and grow their businesses.
The 2025 awardees are:
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| Name | Business | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Stephanie King | Almega Government Services, LLC | Little Elm |
| Caley Coots | Dragon Pop Social, LLC | Houston |
| Heidi Arriaga | Clean Eatz Katy, LLC | Katy |
| Juel Collins | Juelz Jems, LLC | Grapevine |
| Christine Davis | Embody Health, PLLC | Keller |
This year’s grant funding will be used for marketing initiatives, inventory, equipment, technology, raw materials and the installation of a wheelchair ramp. Grants cannot be used for wages, salaries or sales tax.
The awardees will meet with a small business advisor and complete a virtual training series hosted by the center and taught by veterans. The course will cover topics related to business plan development, marketing, legal matters, accounting and finance. Awardees must also complete a business plan with three years of cash flow projections for their business and explain how the grant will impact their bottom line.
This is the fifth year the CWE has offered the grant program, which is explicitly aimed at helping Texas veteran women. The program received applications from women veterans across the state.
“Veteran entrepreneurs bring discipline, resilience and a mission-driven mindset to business ownership,” said Tracy Irby, the center’s director. “The CWE is proud to support these women transition from military service to entrepreneurship, applying their skills and leadership to build thriving businesses. Their dedication and vision are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing their businesses grow.”
About the Center for Women Entrepreneurs
The Center for Women Entrepreneurs is a program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University. The institute is dedicated to preparing women to take on successful roles in business and public service. Its three specialized centers ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses, and the framework needed to run for public office.
Media Contact
Tracy Irby
Director, Center for Women Entrepreneurs
tirby@twu.edu
Page last updated 4:55 PM, March 10, 2025