Center announces 2025 Texas Rural Woman Grant Awardees

July 17, 2025 ― DENTON ― The Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE), a program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership at Texas Woman's University, has announced the 10 recipients of its 2025 Texas Rural Woman Grant.

Now in its third year, the program increased funding to $10,000 per recipient to better support the growth and sustainability of women-owned businesses in rural Texas communities.

Grant recipients represent a diverse range of industries and can use the funds to support key business needs, such as equipment purchases, remodeling, inventory expansion, marketing efforts and operational upgrades - all designed to enhance long-term capacity and community impact.

The 2025 grant winners are:

"Rural women entrepreneurs face unique challenges, from limited access to capital to fewer support networks. This grant is about more than funding - it's about leveling the playing field," said Tracy Irby, director of the CWE. "With these grants, we're not only backing strong business ideas but also fueling economic impact in communities across Texas. These women are creating jobs, meeting local needs and showing what's possible with the right support."

The CWE is a program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women's Leadership at Texas Woman's University. The JNIWL is dedicated to preparing women to take on successful roles in business and public service.

Page last updated 3:48 PM, July 17, 2025