Press Releases - US Region

Austin FC and Q2 Announce the 2023 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition

By Q2

28 Mar, 2023

The third annual venture funding competition will award $100,000 to a Central Texas-based underrepresented entrepreneur

Austin, TEXAS (March 28, 2023) – Austin FC and Q2 Holdings Inc. announced today the launch of the 2023 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition, presented by Q2, in collaboration with DivInc, an Austin-based nonprofit whose mission is to generate social and economic equity through entrepreneurship. The third annual business initiative invites Austin entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to apply and compete for $100,000 in “Dream Starter” funds to accelerate their entrepreneurial venture. The online application is now open to eligible entities and will close on Friday, April 21. The selected winning venture will be announced on Tuesday, May 23.

 

“We’re excited to work with Q2 and DivInc once again for this amazing initiative,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “It’s very important that our Club plays a role in fostering the diverse, entrepreneurial spirit that is such an important part of Austin’s identity as a city, and the Dream Starter competition is the perfect way to do so.”

“At Q2, our mission is centered on building strong and diverse communities, and the Dream Starter Competition will help support deserving entrepreneurs right here in Austin,” said Matt Flake, CEO for Q2. “We look forward to partnering with Austin FC and DivInc again this year to empower underrepresented businesses and help them turn their dreams into reality.”

From the initial applicant group, five (5) finalists will be notified on Tuesday, May 9, of their selection to participate in a Pitch Contest on Monday, May 22, at Q2 Stadium. Each finalist’s presentation will be evaluated by a diverse group of representatives from Austin FC, Q2 Holdings Inc., DivInc and other executives from the Austin entrepreneurial community. The Austin FC Dream Starter Competition winner will be honored with a check presentation during halftime at the Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake match on Saturday, June 3.

The Austin FC Dream Starter Competition combines Q2’s mission to build strong and diverse communities by strengthening their financial institutions with Austin FC’s inclusivity through equity community pillar. In collaboration with DivInc and its aim to connect underrepresented entrepreneurs with the resources needed to build profitable, high-growth companies, the “Dream Starter” funds will aid a Central Texas entrepreneur in overcoming financial barriers to achieve success. Click here for a complete list of terms and conditions and to apply for the 2023 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition.

Previous Winners

CDL Changing Lanes Driving School:

In 2022, Delbert Crawford, Founder and Owner of CDL Changing Lanes Driving School, was selected as the Austin FC Dream Starter Competition winner. Changing Lanes CDL Driving School teaches individuals from diverse backgrounds how to safely drive a commercial vehicle. The school's training programs help its students, many of whom are unemployed, gain the skills necessary for jobs driving commercial vehicles, changing the trajectory of their lives.

At Ease Rentals Corporation:

In 2021, Anthony Gantt, CEO of At Ease Rentals Corporation, was selected as the inaugural Austin FC Dream Starter Competition winner. At Ease Rentals Corporation is a short-term rental platform helping military and federal employees and their families find government approved, temporary housing with less time and frustration.

 

 

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