Women are letting their entrepreneurial spirit thrive and driving economic growth! The number of women entrepreneurs has grown 114% in just 20 years. While only 4 in 10 US businesses are women-owned, they generate $1.8 trillion year. Women entrepreneurs are a diverse group. Last year, 64% of businesses started by women were created by women of color.
Like those all around the nation, entrepreneurial women in greater Arlington come from different backgrounds and industries, but they are all courageously pursuing their passions. Texas Women’s University is empowering current and aspiring women business owners in our community and throughout Texas with the StartHER Grant Program.
The Center for Women’s Entreprenuership’s StartHER Grant Program encourages women-owned businesses in Texas to undertake new and innovative projects. ten grants, each worth $5,000, will be awarded in the latest round. This will mark the CWE’s fourth round of awarding StartHER grants, which are open to women entrepreneurs from throughout Texas.
“This program is a great way for someone looking to start the business she’s always wanted to, and to get both the funding to kick-start it and the training needed to sustain it,” said Shannon Mantaro, the CWE’s senior director.
Grant funding may be used to purchase 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 aligned with the purpose of the program. Wages, salaries and sales tax are ineligible for funding.
Awardees must complete a virtual small business training course hosted by the CWE to receive funding. The course will cover topics such as business plan development, marketing, legal and accounting and financing.
Greater Arlington is home to a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Chamber is proud to see Texas Women’s University invest in the women in our community and support entrepreneurship and innovation.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the StartHER grant program.