FAQ
The StartHER grant is closed
Application Process – Dates and information will be updated before the 2025 grant opens
Who can apply?
Existing Texas woman-owned businesses (51% directly owned and controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents) with five or fewer employees(including the owner) may apply.
See the complete list on the Grant Guidelines page.
Does my business have to be established? New for 2024
Yes, the business must be set up as a legal entity. Assumed names can be set up through your local county clerk for about $25.00
Can a non-profit apply?
No, the grant is only for a for-profit business.
As no one owns a non-profit it can’t be considered woman-owned.
Per legislation—a business concern must be a small business as defined in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 13 part 121 for its primary industry classification. 13CFR 127.200(a). 13CFR 121.105(a)(1) provides that a business concern must be organized for profit to meet the definition of a small business. A 501(c)3 is not organized for profit and as such does not qualify as a small business.
Do I have to be affiliated with TWU to apply?
No, the grant is open to any woman-owned business in Texas. TWU faculty/staff (or immediate household members) students, trustees, and advisory committee members are not eligible to apply. Other ineligible applicants include
How Much is the Grant Amount? New for 2024
The grant is $5,000 minus any taxes. Do not submit any request for any other dollar amount or your application will be disqualified.
Can previous TWU CWE grant winners apply?
No, previous winners cannot apply.
Should I get a grant writer? I’ve never written a grant before. New for 2024
No, we want to hear about your business in your words. Our template should make it easy for you to answer the questions.
We have found that some charging for their services have never submitted a qualifying application or been awarded a grant from the CWE. One year someone paid a grant writer but a submission was never done.
The only place to get accurate StartHER grant information is through cwegrants@twu.edu
What can be used to verify my business is woman-owned?
Include legal entity documentation showing the business is 51% + woman-owned and controlled. At least one of these documents must be submitted showing all owners.
- Sole proprietor/assumed name/dba filing
- LLC or LLP, Corporation documentation showing all managers including every single page.
- Certification of formation, company bylaws, articles of incorporation, partnership agreement showing members and percentage owned sent with formation documents.
Ineligible documentation that will disqualify your application:
- Entity documentation with business name only
- EIN
- Sales & Use Tax Permit
- IRS tax forms
- Driver’s license
- Credit card
- Passport
- Social Security Card
- Minority-owned business certification unless it specifically says woman-owned
If you are unsure if your documentation qualifies, please email it to cwegrants@twu.edu for verification.
Can I apply for several different businesses I’m thinking about starting?
No, only one application per person will be accepted.
What about sales tax?
Sales tax cannot be paid for with these grant funds.
Can wages, salaries or compensation be used with the grant funding?
No, the grant cannot be used for wages, salaries, contract labor, or compensation of any type for the owner or employees.
You can use funds for a consultant that is not an employee. Example: marketing consultant building out website and social media.
What can the funds be used for?
Examples of how our other grant winners have used funds include computers, software, pos systems, marketing, and social media promotions, fixtures, a vehicle to pull a food trailer, office furniture, a lathe, certification classes, and a photo booth.
Can I pay bills with the grant funding? New for 2024
No, monthly bills cannot be paid with grant funding. If you are purchasing a service for a year such as QuickBooks you must pay the whole thing.
What is the matching requirement?
10% owner-investment ($500) must be committed to the project. This can be in cash, start-up costs/licensing, supplies, office furniture, or equipment for the project.
You will find an example in the budget below.
What kind of project contribution to the economy are you looking for?
Will your project add to the sales tax base, create jobs, or contribute to your community or Texas?
When are applications due?
Grant applications are due at 5:00:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, through the grant portal only. All late submissions will be disqualified. Allow enough time for internet problems and time to complete the application.
Should I call to make sure my application is received?
No, the online form automatically submits your application.
Where can I get additional questions answered?
All grant-related questions must be sent to cwegrants@twu.edu in order to have documentation of all questions. This is the only way we will answer grant questions.
How can I check my business status with the state?
You can check the taxable entity search https://mycpa.cpa.state.tx.us/coa/. If your business shows forfeited, your business is not eligible for the grant. You can call the state to clear this.
What does source & use of funds mean in budget? New for 2024
Source is who is providing the funds and Use is what the funds are used for.
If the item grant funds is purchasing is over 5,000 you can list the source as TWU Grant/Owner Investment.
For example — the owner’s investment shows the required 10%, $500 in the business.
Example:
| Use of Funds | Source of Funds | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Owner Investment | 2,700 |
| Advertising Campaign | Owner Investment | 3,200 |
| Trailer | Grant Funds | 5,000 |
| Vehicle | Bank Loan | 23,000 |
| 33,900 |
Page last updated 4:55 PM, October 30, 2024