TWU center awards $50K to Texas startups

Oct. 28, 2026 — DENTON — The Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE), a program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, has selected 10 Texas entrepreneurs to receive $5,000 each through its 2026 StartUP Grant Program.

This year’s grant competition attracted 416 applications from entrepreneurs across Texas, a 37% increase over the 303 applications received in 2025. The growing number of applicants highlights the continued demand for financial resources to help entrepreneurs establish and grow their businesses.

“The increase in applications shows us just how many entrepreneurs across Texas are working to build and grow their businesses,” said Tracy Irby, director of the Center for Women Entrepreneurs. “With 416 applications and only 10 grants available, the competition was especially strong this year. While we wish we could fund more businesses, we’re pleased to provide these entrepreneurs with financial assistance, business education and advising to help them build a strong foundation for long-term success.”

The following entrepreneurs were selected to receive $5,000 grants:

The grant recipients represent a variety of industries, including agriculture, food production, health care, technology and retail. Funding will support a wide range of business investments, including commercial kitchen equipment, agricultural operations, cameras, retail displays and expansion into retail markets. These investments will help entrepreneurs increase production capacity, improve operations, reach new customers and pursue growth opportunities.

The StartUP Grant Program supports Texas businesses that have been established for five years or less. In addition to receiving funding, grant recipients participate in business training provided by the CWE. Training covers essential areas of business operations, including business planning, marketing, legal and insurance considerations, and financial management. Recipients are also required to complete at least three hours of one-on-one small business advising and develop a business plan.

By combining financial assistance with education and individualized advising, the CWE seeks to help entrepreneurs develop sustainable businesses that contribute to economic growth and job creation throughout Texas.

Page last updated 2:50 PM, October 28, 2026