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dreamnew

Making dreams come true, right here in Central Texas.

In 2026, Austin FC and Q2 are bringing back the annual Austin FC Dream Starter Competition, presented by Q2.

The sixth installment of this business initiative invites Austin entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to apply and compete for $100,000 in “Dream Starter” funds to accelerate their entrepreneurial venture.

From the initial applicant group, five (5) finalists will be selected to participate in a Pitch Competition on Wednesday, May 27, at Q2 Stadium. Each finalist’s presentation will be evaluated by a diverse group of representatives from Austin FC, Q2, and executives from the Austin entrepreneurial community. The Austin FC Dream Starter winner will be announced to the public on Wednesday, May 27 and honored with a check presentation during halftime at the Austin FC vs. Seattle Sounders match on Wednesday, July 22.

2026 Dream Starter Timeline

  • Wednesday, March 25 at 9am CT – Application portal opens
  • Monday, April 13 at 11:59pm 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 Meetings
  • Wednesday, May 27 – 2026 Dream Starter Pitch Competition at Q2 Stadium
  • Wednesday, July 22 – Halftime check presentation during Austin FC vs. Seattle Sounders at Q2 Stadium

For a complete list of terms and conditions about the Austin FC Dream Starter Competition, click here.

For a list of frequently asked questions, click here.

To preview the application questions, click here.

2025 Networking & Panel Discussion at Q2 Stadium

Panelists Yuen Yung, Bharath Oruganti, and Vanessa Newton—moderated by Hannah Taylor—shared best practices and advice on the Dream Starter process.

Previous Winners