Center for Women Entrepreneurs announces Veteran Woman Grant awardees

June 10, 2022 — DENTON — The Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) at Texas Woman’s University has selected six female veterans in Texas to receive a $5,000 award each through its Veteran Woman Entrepreneur Grant program, which supports women veterans in Texas who own their own businesses or are interested in launching one.

The awardees include:

• Simone Brown – Houston English Language Professionals, LLC (Houston)
• Kimberly Henry – The GOLD Beacon, PLLC (San Angelo)
• Bernadine Martinez – Power Your Potential (New Braunfels)
• Kelli Mumphrey – Milkspace, (Garland)
• Dana Perry – The Auto Expert, LLC (Plano)
• Sherrita Smoak – SIS Blessed Enterprises, LLC (Conroe)

Grant funding may be used for the purchase of machinery, equipment or technology; acquisition of new inventory or raw materials; purchase and installation of fixtures or display units; property improvements; marketing; or other business-related activity that is aligned with the purpose of the program. Grants cannot be used for wages, salaries and sales tax.

The awardees will meet with the center’s small business advisor and veteran mentors, as well as complete a virtual training series hosted by the center, to receive funding. The course will cover topics related to business plan development, insurance, marketing, legal matters, accounting and finance.

Grant applications were received from across Texas, and this is the second year the CWE has offered the grant program aimed specifically at helping women veteran entrepreneurs throughout the state.

“Supporting veterans has long been a key mission for Texas Woman’s University,” said Tracy Irby, the center’s director. “We are proud to support these entrepreneurs who not only served their nation but are now contributing to the economies of their communities.”

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 more 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 C-suite executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to run for public office.

Page last updated 2:25 PM, June 10, 2022