FAQ

Who can apply?
This grant is open to Texas new or to be formed 51% or more women-owned businesses with 5 or less employees. The owner must identify as female, be 18 or older, live in Texas, and be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident.

Does my business have to already be started?
No, the grant can be used for a start-up.

Can a non-profit apply?
No, the grant is only for a for-profit business.

Do I have to be affiliated with TWU to apply?
No, the grant is open to any woman-owned business in the state of Texas. TWU faculty/staff (or immediate household members) and students, trustees and advisory committee members are not eligible to apply.

Can previous TWU CWE grant winners apply?
No, previous winners cannot apply.

I’ve never filled out a grant application before. Should I get a grant writer?
No, we want to hear about your business in your words. Our template should make it easy for you to answer the questions.

What can be used to verify my business is woman-owned?
Proof of woman-owned and controlled documentation could include and must show at least 51% ownership: Any woman-owned certification, sole proprietor/assumed name filings, LLC or LLP or Corporation documentation, certification of organization, articles of incorporation, partnership agreement, or bank signature card.

If one document alone doesn’t show this – send the corresponding agreement with it. Sending the business name only is not enough – you must show who the owner is. If a man is listed, you must show the percentage owned by each person. Do not send a copy of your driver’s license, passport, social security card, or credit card – they don’t prove business ownership.

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. 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 software, pos systems, marketing, and social media promotions, fixtures, a vehicle to pull a food trailer, office furniture, a lathe and computers.

Can I pay bills with the grant funding?
No, monthly bills cannot be paid with grant funding.

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 or equipment for the project.

What kind of project contribution to the economy are you looking for?
Will your project add to the sales tax base, create jobs or have some other contribution to the community or state?

When are applications due?
Grant applications are due at 5:00:00 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. 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

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 find out what you need to do to clear this.

What does source & use of funds mean in budget?
Source is who is providing the funds and Use is what the funds are used for.

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 1:57 PM, October 5, 2023