Rural Grant winners announced

Denton—The Center for Women Entrepreneurs (CWE), a program of the Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, announced 10 grant winners of the Texas Woman Rural Grant. The grant program, in its second year, supports women in rural areas by providing $5,000 grants to expand their businesses.

The winners are:

Brenda Serna, The Right Look, Palacios

Connie Kawka, Freedom RV Service Aransas Pass,

Annalu Gonzales, Lulibakes, Ozona

Laura Shaw, Terlingua Oasis Project, Alpine

Jacklyn Belaire, Big Tree Oyster Co, Rockport

Manuela Avila, The Pink Flamingo, Presidio

Ruth Quesenberry, Trinity Massage Therapy, Hico

Ashley Watson, Rewarding Waves PEMF, Dalhart

Tyeanna Johnson, Blissful Birth Support, Brackettville

Shawna Munson, Serenity House Counseling, Livingston.

Awardees are using grant funds for an array of purposes, including purchases of a feed conveyor, a shaved ice machine, a freezer, product manufacturing, acquiring raw materials, and other business-related activities that align with the program objectives. Investments are poised to significantly enhance the operational capacity and growth potential of their businesses.

"Women entrepreneurs in rural areas don't receive the same level of support as those in larger cities. This grant program aims to bridge that gap by providing essential resources, training, and guidance,” Tracy Irby, director of the CWE, said. “We are proud to support this year's recipients and excited to see their businesses thrive and make a positive impact in their communities."

SOURCE Center for Women Entrepreneurs