Dream Starter Application FAQs

What is Dream Starter?

  • An annual venture funding competition presented by Austin FC and Q2 that strives to invest in Austin’s underrepresented communities and reward Austin’s next great entrepreneur with $100,000 to support their business venture.
  • This competition aims to connect underrepresented entrepreneurs with the resources needed to build profitable, high-growth companies. “Underrepresented” includes all people who lack access to the capital necessary to activate their entrepreneurial idea. The Dream Starter approach allows us to align this program with ATXFC's Community Pillars, specifically, equity. The equitable approach allows the program to consider why this idea, from this person, has not yet been funded.

What are the eligibility guidelines?

  • A panel of Austin FC and Q2 judges will evaluate all eligible entries received. Eligible entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
*   Is the company solving a real problem?

*   Is there a large-market opportunity for the company?

*   How viable is the proposed business model?

*   Does the company have a strong and unique value proposition?

*   How strong is the evidence that this is a product/service people want (based on rate of customer acquisition, number of customers, revenue growth, etc.)?

*   How strong is the evidence for steady and significant business growth over the next 6-12 months?

*   Is the company’s team strong enough to support the growth of the company?

*   How strong and realistic is the founder’s growth plan for 2025 and beyond?

*   How impactful will the $100,000 in grant funds be to the founder and the business?

What is the application deadline?

  • The application will open at 9 am on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, and will close on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Can I preview the application questions ahead of time?

  • Yes! Click HERE to preview the questions.

Can I save my application and come back to it at a later time/date?

  • Yes, you can begin your application and return later without losing your answers. As per Typeform’s guidelines, you can answer a question, close it, and then return later and your answers will still be there. The only rule is that you must be on the same browser and device (and not in Incognito or Private browsing mode). Your answers will be kept safely in your browser's local storage, for 15 days. When you open the Typeform again, you’ll be taken to the start of the application, but you will see your existing answers from your last visit. You can edit those answers and fill out the rest of the questions before submitting.

How will I know that you received my grant application?

  • You will receive a confirmation email from Austin FC to notify you that your application was successfully submitted.

How can I check my application status?

  • Austin FC will notify you via email of any updates to your application status according to the timeline below:
    • Wednesday, March 25 at 9 a.m. CT - Application portal opens
    • Monday, April 13 at 11:59 p.m. CT - Application portal closes
    • Tuesday, April 14 – Wednesday, May 6 – Applications reviewed
    • Thursday, May 7 – Five finalists are notified
    • Wednesday, May 13 - ‘Perfect My Pitch’ Group Meeting
    • Tuesday, May 19 - ‘Perfect My Pitch’ Individual Meeting
    • Wednesday, May 27 - 2026 Dream Starter Pitch Competition at Q2 Stadium
    • Wednesday, July 22 - Halftime Check Presentation at Austin FC vs Seattle at Q2 Stadium

How is the grant recipient selected?

  • The grant recipient will be selected after several rounds of reviews and scoring conducted by a panel of Austin FC and Q2 judges.

Are nonprofits eligible for the grant?

  • No, nonprofits are not eligible for this program. We encourage you to head over to our Q-mmunity Gives page to learn more about our nonprofit grant program!

Do you accept applications from businesses located outside of the general Austin area?

  • This grant is only open to businesses located within a seventy-five (75) mile radius of Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas.

I own multiple businesses. Can I submit more than one application?

  • The application is limited to one (1) entry per person, per household, per company. Please see our terms and conditions for more information.

I’m having difficulties submitting my application. Can someone assist?

  • If you have any questions or issues prior to the application deadline, please submit an email to community@austinfc.com.