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Photo credit Texas Woman's University

Since 2015, the Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE) at the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University has been helping transform “visions into ventures,” providing funding, business advisement, and training for more than 1,900 women-owned businesses across Texas to date. 

To celebrate its milestone anniversary, CWE will host an anniversary event on July 8 and will feature a vendor showcase of 40 grant recipients.

Over the last decade, CWE has awarded more than $2.37 million in grant funding to 467 women entrepreneurs across Texas, supporting efforts to launch, grow, and scale businesses in urban centers and rural communities. Among the rich diversity of ventures supported by CWE are a number of intriguing enterprises—such as a pet gift shop, doula service, custom prosthetics designer, and even a mortuary —that collectively showcase the innovation and creativity of women-owned businesses across Texas.  

In addition to funding, CWE has conducted more than 300 training sessions to equip women business owners with the skills, strategies, and resources needed to sustain a successful enterprise. The Center has also received a number of accolades and awards, including the Educate Award (2022) from the Denton Chamber of Commerce, as well as University of the Year (2025), Corporate Supporter of the Year (2024) and BIPOC Corporate Champion awards (2024) from the DEC Network. 

Overview of CWE Programs 

AccelerateHER
This immersive program fast-tracks early-stage, women-owned startups into scalable businesses. Six entrepreneurs are selected to participate in each cohort, gaining access to expert-led education and resources through CWE and its statewide partners.

To date, the rotating program has served women-owned businesses in Denton, Dallas, Houston, Abilene, Mission, Austin, and Corpus Christi.

Veteran Woman Grant
Designed to boost economic development, this grant supports innovative projects by veteran woman-owned small businesses across Texas.

Texas Rural Woman Grant
This grant empowers rural women entrepreneurs to pursue new ideas and expand business opportunities in underserved communities.

StartHER Grant
Aimed at startups, the StartHER Grant helps women-owned businesses launch innovative new initiatives and build early-stage momentum.

"According to the Office of the Governor, Texas is home to 1.3 million women owned businesses,” said Shannon Mantaro, Executive Director and Chief Officer for the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership.“Clearly, investing in women entrepreneurs is a smart move for our state’s economic development. Over the past decade, CWE has proven that with the right resources and relationships, women will build businesses that thrive. We’re proud of the thousands  of women we’ve partnered with, and we can’t wait to meet the next generation of Texas changemakers. If you’re ready to take your vision to the next level, CWE is ready to help.”

Investing in Visionaries

From Dallas to Houston, from Abilene to Longview, the stories behind CWE grant recipients across Texas are as vibrant and varied as Texas itself. A few examples of recently awarded CWE grants include: Embody Health (Keller), a women’s health clinic offering holistic, compassionate care; Clean Eatz (College Station), a franchise promoting wellness through balanced meals and fitness education; ATX Supper Club (Austin), a dining adventure community creating inclusive connections through beautiful meals; and Rose Soiree (Corpus Christi), a creative floral studio specializing in events and workshops.

Grants awarded prior to 2025 have supported a host of innovative businesses across the state, such as Centro de Consejeria Familiar (Arlington), providing culturally sensitive counseling to Latino families; Copano Oyster Company (Austin), promoting sustainable coastal practices; and Game Theory TX (Fort Worth), a scratch kitchen and board game bar focused on community. Other CWE-supported businesses include boutique storefronts, youth education enterprises, a baby supply vending machine company, and a natural personal care product brand for people with chronic skin conditions. 


A Legacy of Leadership

CWE is a flagship program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, the nation’s largest woman-focused university system. The Institute’s three centers—the Center for Student Leadership, the Center for Women in Government, and the Center for Women Entrepreneurs—are united by a common mission: preparing women to lead.

Upcoming Funding Opportunity 

Applications for the StartHER Grant open August 26 and close September 26. These grants support women-owned startups in launching new initiatives and driving early-stage growth. Other grant programs—including those for veterans and rural entrepreneurs—will open in phases throughout the year.

For full eligibility and deadlines, visit https://twu.edu/center-women-entrepreneurs/grant-dates/.

“Ten Years of Turning Visions Into Ventures”

To commemorate its 10-year anniversary, CWE will host a special celebration featuring refreshments, remarks, and a 40-vendor showcase of CWE-supported businesses:

- Tuesday, July 8 | 5 to 7 p.m.
- Southwest Ballroom, TWU Student Union at Hubbard Hall
- Remarks at 5:30 p.m. | Free Valet Parking
- Learn more: https://linktr.ee/twucwe

ABOUT THE JANE NELSON INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

The Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University is dedicated to preparing women for successful careers in business and public service.

Its three specialized centers—Center for Student Leadership, Center for Women Entrepreneurs and Center for Women in Government—ensure women have the education to establish careers as successful executives, the skills for building entrepreneurial businesses and the framework needed to excel in public service.

ABOUT TWU

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest woman-focused university system with campuses in Denton, Dallas, and Houston. Founded in 1901, TWU has built a reputation on contributions in nursing, healthcare, education, the arts and sciences, and business. TWU’s inclusive culture prioritizes experiential learning, leadership, service, discovery, and health and well-being, and national media have recognized the university as a top college for student-parents, veterans, and social mobility. In 2023, TWU publicly launched Dream Big, a fundraising effort that has raised more than $160 million to date to support programming, equipment, scholarships, and faculty. To learn more about the campaign or the university, visitdreambig.twu.eduor twu.edu, or connect with TWU on Facebook@TexasWomansUniversity, Instagram@txwomans,Twitter@txwomans, and LinkedIn@texaswomansuniversity.

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Photo credit Social House Entertainment

H-Town, are you ready? The Tacos and Tequila Festival is making its highly anticipated Houston debut on April 12, 2025, at Sam Houston Race Park, delivering the ultimate throwback party. Expect legendary ‘90s and 2000s hip-hop, top-tier tacos, and premium tequila—but that’s just the beginning. Live DJs, margarita bars, lucha libre wrestling, a chihuahua beauty pageant, and more will set the stage for a one-day-only, high-energy festival that’s as bold as its flavors. Presented by Sam Houston Race Park and Social House Entertainment, this 21+ event is your excuse to leave the kids at home, grab your crew, and turn up the nostalgia.

This year’s Festival boasts a stacked artist lineup including hip-hop icons T.I., Lil Jon, Chingy, Paul Wall, Baby Bash, Yung Joc, Petey Pablo, Mike Jones, Twista, and DJ Ashton Martin.

Houston Represent!

Houston’s own Paul Wall and Mike Jones will be bringing their signature sound to the stage. Paul Wall, known for hits like “Sittin’ Sidewayz” and “Grillz”, remains a H-Town legend, while Mike Jones, the voice behind “Still Tippin’” and “Back Then”, is ready to remind fans why they still shout his name.

About Additional Artists

  • T.I. is a GRAMMY-winning rapper and entrepreneur with over 10 million albums sold in the U.S. He founded Grand Hustle Records and owns the clothing brands Akoo and Hustle Gang. In 2016, he became an artist-owner of TIDAL alongside Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.
  • Lil Jon is a rapper and producer credited with pioneering crunk music. He led Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz and was instrumental in the genre's rise in the early 2000s, releasing five albums.
  • Chingy is a rapper from St. Louis. He initially performed under the name H Thugz before gaining recognition in 2002 when he opened for fellow St. Louis artist Nelly. That same year, he signed with Ludacris' label, Disturbing tha Peace. Chingy rose to fame in the mid-2000s with chart-topping hits like "Right Thurr" and "One Call Away."
  • Baby Bash is a rapper from California who gained fame with the 2003 hit "Suga Suga." He has worked with Universal and Arista Records, releasing albums like Tha Smokin' Nephew (2003) and Cyclone (2007). He has collaborated with artists such as Akon, Pitbull, and Frankie J.
  • Yung Joc is an Atlanta-based rapper best known for his 2006 triple-platinum hit "It's Goin' Down," which peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. He is signed to Polo Grounds Music/RCA and has worked as an actor and composer.
  • Petey Pablo is a rapper and producer from North Carolina, known for the 2003 hit "Freek-a-Leek," which reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut album Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry was GRAMMY-nominated, and his second album peaked at #4 on the Billboard 200.
  • Twista is known for his rapid-fire "chopper" rap style and held the Guinness World Record for the fastest English-speaking rapper in 1992. His 2004 album Kamikaze topped the Billboard 200, featuring the #1 hit "Slow Jamz" with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.
  • DJ Ashton Martin is a DJ known for high-energy performances and his ability to seamlessly mix multiple genres. His deep understanding of music and audience engagement sets him apart, creating unforgettable live experiences.

More Than Just Music

Beyond the beats, the festival serves up a feast for the senses with:

The area’s best tacos and more eats

  • The area’s best tacos and other tasty treats
  • Handcrafted margaritas
  • Tequila Tasting Lounge
  • Lucha Libre wrestling
  • Exotic car showcase (Bring your cool car and register HERE.)
  • Chihuahua beauty pageant (Register your chihuahua HERE.)
  • Salsa & Queso Competition
  • Art installations & photo ops

Houston’s top food trucks, including Dulce Vida Treats, Jersey Dogs, Tacos y Tequila, Taquerias Arandas, Elotes HTX, El Guajillo Food Truck and Gumbo Xpress Twisted Kitchen, will be serving up mouth-watering delectables from tacos and elote to cajun fare and traditional festival eats to keep the party fueled.

Ticket Info

  • $69 General Admission - limited time offer
  • $99 General Admission for 2
  • $159 VIP - limited time offer
  • VIP Party Deck Pass available - pricing varies

Tickets available at: tacosandtequilahouston.com

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Sponsors

Special thanks to our sponsors: Social House Entertainment, Tixr, Cayman Jack, White Claw Hard Seltzer, 97.9 The Box, Majic 102.1, and Sam Houston Race Park.

About Social House Entertainment

Social House Entertainment is a full-scale event production company born out of Kansas City. We specialize in producing large scale music festivals in unique outdoor venues, specialized community events, food, and beer festivals and many other types of events of all sizes. We are passionate about elevating live event experiences all around North America.

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On Women’s Equality Day, August 26, Texas Woman’s University Houston celebrated the first day on campus for the university’s inaugural president, Monica G. Williams, PhD, with a festive reception that included students, faculty, staff, and members of Dr. Williams’ family. 

Following Dr. Williams’ pep rally-styled grand entrance to a packed lobby of cheering students and Texas Woman’s leaders, the event featured a welcome from Carlos Da Silva, campus manager; a video message from Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten and Christopher Johnson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Strategy and Chief of Staff; remarks from Dr. Williams, and a buffet and photo opps. After being ushered to her new office, Dr. Williams was presented with flowers and branded swag from TWU Houston departments and student organizations. 

The celebration of TWU’s first president marks an historic moment for Texas Woman’s, which was designated as a university system by the state legislature in 2021—the only university system in the nation with a focus on women. 

Located in the Texas Medical District, TWU Houston is a significant contributor to the higher ed landscape in Houston and a major contributor to the pipeline of health care professionals in Texas, offering nationally-recognized undergraduate and graduate-level degrees in nursing, allied health care professions, and health care administration. 

During her remarks, Dr. Williams acknowledged the “first class” experience of her candidacy and onboarding. “I can’t wait to share the amazing things that TWU Houston is doing with the world,” she said. “We’re going to take this journey together.” 

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Texas Woman's University's inaugural Houston campus president, Monica G. Williams, PhD.

Texas Woman’s University has named Monica G. Williams, PhD, a seasoned higher education leader with a strong background in partnerships and fundraising, as the inaugural Houston campus president. She begins her role on Aug. 26.

Williams served nine years as foundation president and vice president of advancement at the University of North Texas at Dallas and has also held leadership positions in fundraising at the United States Fund for UNICEF, Houston Works USA, Rice University, Prairie View A&M University and Texas Southern University.

She played a key role in helping increase UNT Dallas’ enrollment by 60% during her service at that institution and was a lead architect for the university’s values-based strategic plan.

Additionally, Williams taught English in the Houston Independent School District, served as the inaugural director of Houston’s Sylvan at Work/Sylvan Learning Systems Office and worked at Neighborhood Centers Inc. leading its community-based programming.

Williams has an extraordinary record of achievement in leading philanthropic efforts, securing grants and stewarding gifts, and maintains close relationships with Houston stakeholders that she formed in the business, industry, nonprofit and civic sectors. 

“Dr. Williams is a born leader, with strong connections in Houston, and a deep understanding of the Houston culture and workforce needs, which on their own would make her an exceptional choice as our first president for the Houston campus,” Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten said. “But it is her experience that sets her in high esteem with our campus for what we need right now, especially her experience of working with limited resources to build and grow within the constraints of our state-funded higher education ecosystem.”

As president, Williams will provide strategic leadership for the campus, located in the Texas Medical Center, which encompasses more than 60 medical institutions. It is the largest medical center and life science destination in the world. She will work with students, faculty, staff and key stakeholders — including alumni, community members, business and industry leaders, legislators and policymakers — to ensure Texas Woman’s is a key contributor to the higher education landscape in Houston.

“Texas Woman’s has a distinct role in producing outstanding professionals in health care and business for the Houston region, and I am honored to serve as the inaugural president of the Houston campus,” Williams said. “I look forward to working with the university community and building on a legacy of excellence by producing more talented professionals who will make our community and the state of Texas stronger.” 

The state Legislature established Texas Woman’s University System in 2021 as its seventh university system, enabling its Houston and Dallas campuses to transform, grow and continue serving the state and its communities as the nation’s only system with a woman-focused mission. The system made it a top priority to install leadership at both campuses. Monica Christopher became the Dallas campus’s first president in February of this year.

In addition to her lengthy record of fundraising and establishing partnerships, Williams served as an adjunct faculty member at UNT Dallas and at Texas Southern. Williams earned a bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English and a master’s degree in communications at Texas Southern and a PhD in educational leadership at Prairie View A&M.

 

About TWU Houston

The TWU Institute of Health Sciences ? Houston Center is located in the heart of the largest medical center in the world, the Texas Medical Center, and offers advanced degrees in several health science programs. TWU Houston is one of three campuses of Texas Woman’s University in Denton, the largest public university in the nation with a woman focus, and has had a presence in Houston since 1960. 

With a primary focus on advanced degrees, TWU Houston houses six schools and programs, including the Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, the Dr. Sophie Lin Rydin School of Occupational Therapy, School of Physical Therapy, the nutrition and food sciences, health care administration and executive business programs.