Center to award $50K in business StartUP grants

Aug. 12, 2026 ― DENTON ― The Texas Woman’s University Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) will award $50,000 in grants to Texas startups through its StartUP Grant program.

The center will award 10 grants, each valued at $5,000, to eligible startup businesses across Texas. The program is designed to provide early-stage businesses with funding to support their growth and development.

Since 2018, the Center for Women Entrepreneurs has awarded more than $2.6 million in grants to entrepreneurs across Texas through its grant programs.

“The StartUP Grant provides funding at a stage when access to capital can make a real difference for a small business,” said Tracy Irby, the center’s director. “We want entrepreneurs to use these funds strategically to strengthen their businesses and position them for continued growth.”

Grant funds may be used for approved business expenses such as equipment, technology, inventory, marketing and property improvements. Funds may not be used for wages, salaries or sales tax.

Eligible applicants must operate a for-profit business in Texas and meet all StartUP Grant eligibility requirements. Businesses may have no more than 10 full-time equivalent employees, not including the owner.

The StartUP Grant application will open Sept. 1 and close at 5 p.m. Oct. 23. Applications must be submitted through the online grant application system during the application period.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying are encouraged to use the time before the application opens to review eligibility requirements, gather required business formation documents, review the sample application and budget materials, and watch the grant information videos available through CWE.

Grant recipients will be required to complete program requirements, including a business plan, business advising, and a virtual small-business training course covering topics such as business planning, marketing, legal considerations and financial management.

For detailed eligibility requirements, FAQs, preparation resources, and application information, visit the CWE StartUP Grant page. Questions about the StartUP Grant may be directed to CWEgrants@twu.edu.

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.

Page last updated 3:33 PM, August 12, 2026