TWU IS EVERYWHERE

When the pandemic choked small businesses across the U.S., grants from TWU’s Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership stepped in to assist entrepreneurial women across Texas.

3,000

entrepreneurs applied for grants

$1 Million

awarded to women-owned businesses

98

of 100 businesses remain open

A map of text highlighting the cities of Midland, Dallas, Marshall, Austin, Waco, Houston, and Laredo. A quote by Jane Nelson, former Texas senate chair, that reads quote - Helping women-owned business navigavte this time of uncertainty is a wise investment. Texas Women are strong and resilient - end quote.

PRISTINE ORGANIC
(Midland, TX)

Michelle Carrasco’s company continued its eco-friendly focus. Her business brings hypoallergenic and all-natural “powerhouses of clean” to the dry cleaning industry.

ELTEC
(Marshall, TX)

April Spears’ company is a world-class provider of engineered traffic systems and solar-powered solutions with an emphasis on programmable timing products and pedestrian safety.

LOADED SOUND
(Waco, TX)

I.V. Williams’ company specializes in AV and lighting installations for churches, parks, recreational spaces and hotels. When the pandemic shuttered performance spaces, the grant helped her team pivot into video and streaming.

SPRING ARCHITECTS
(Austin, TX)

Andrea Freiburger's full service architectural firm designs commercial and residential buildings. The grant allowed her team to target new types of projects with a post-pandemic mindset.

EL QUERREQUE
(Laredo, TX)

Teetering on the edge of insolvency when pandemic shutdowns hit, Mitzi Bella’s restaurant—a Laredo mainstay—treated the grant as a lifeline. She used the funds to restock inventory she gave away to families in need.

Boldly Go

Inquire about how you can support leadership programs at: advancement@twu.edu