Call for Applications: StartHER Grant Program (United States)

Funding Information

• Grant amount: $5,000
• Funds must be matched by a minimum of 10% ($500) owner investment (cash, property, or equipment). The investment must not be associated with debt of any kind and must be committed and available to the project at the time of the grant application. The amount can be added to your budget as owner investment.  (see faqs)
• All grant funds must be spent and documentation submitted before July 31, 2025.

What can the funds be used for?

• Purchase of machinery, equipment, or technology.
• Inventory or raw materials.
• Merchandising fixtures and display units.
• Professional business certifications.
• Property improvements that will result in increased sales and revenue.
• Marketing, advertising, and social media campaigns.
• Any other business-related activity that CWE deems is aligned with the stated purpose of this program.
• Funds can’t be used for:
  • Wages, salaries, bonuses, or compensation of any kind
  • Real Property – including land or buildings
  • Paying your regular monthly bills
  • Sales tax

Who can apply?

• Eligible businesses must satisfy all of the following conditions:
  • 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 may apply (including the owner.)
  • The business must currently be set up as a legal entity.
  • The business must be located and operated within the state of Texas.
  • Business must be five years or less (formed after 10/04/2019 – current.)
  • The business must be a for-profit corporation, partnership, LLP, LLC, or sole proprietorship. Non Profit Organizations are not eligible.
  • If the business or business owner owns the premises where the business operates, all property taxes must be current.
  • All sales, payroll, and other taxes must be current.
  • Business owner(s) must not have any felonies or convictions for a crime of dishonesty or breach of trust.
  • The business, business owner, and applicant must not be involved in any pending or current litigation.
  • The business, owner, and applicant operate with all required permits and licenses and conform to all state laws.

Ineligible Applicants/Entities

• Non-profit organizations and other 501(C) entities.
• TWU faculty/staff (or any immediate family member of the applicant’s family, including spouse, child, parent), trustee, and advisory committee member.
• Current TWU Students.
• Prior grant winners of any CWE grant program.Applicants who have participated in any CWE program in the last year including AccelerateHER, TechFW, CWE Virtual Accelerator, or NTEETC/Foundations EDC awardees.
• Current consultants with a contract with the CWE
• Anyone who has served as a judge for any CWE grant program.

For more information, visit TWU.