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Making dreams come true, right here in Central Texas.

In 2025, Austin FC and Q2 are bringing back the annual Austin FC Dream Starter Competition, presented by Q2.

The fifth 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 Thursday, May 22, 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 Friday, May 23 and honored with a check presentation during halftime at the Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake match on Wednesday, May 28.

2025 Dream Starter Timeline

  • Tuesday, March 25 at 9am CT – Application portal opens
  • Monday, April 14 at 11:59pm CT – Application portal closes
  • Tuesday, April 15 – Wednesday, May 7 – Applications reviewed
  • Thursday, May 8
    • Five Finalists are notified
    • 'Perfect My Pitch Virtual' Group Meeting
  • Tuesday, May 13 – 'Perfect My Pitch Virtual' Individual Meetings
  • Thursday, May 22 – 2025 Dream Starter Pitch Competition at Q2 Stadium
  • Friday, May 23 – Winner announced to the public
  • Wednesday, May 28 – Halftime check presentation during Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake 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.

2024 Pitch Competition Winner: Tiffany Wilson, 29Eleven The Salon

29Eleven the Salon was announced as the winner of the 2024 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition presented by Q2 Holdings, Inc. 29Eleven the Salon will receive $100,000 in funding to accelerate its business and mission as part of the Austin FC Dream Starter business initiative, which supports Austin entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds.

29Eleven the Salon provides education and hair care services to address the unique needs of curly and highly textured hair. Historically, cosmetology schools have only provided training focused on straighter hair textures, which results in the surrounding communities being underserved for hair care services.

The Austin FC Dream Starter Competition combines Q2’s mission with Austin FC’s inclusivity through equity community pillar. The aim is to connect underrepresented entrepreneurs with the resources needed to build profitable, high-growth companies. The “Dream Starter” funds will aid 29Eleven the Salon in overcoming financial barriers to achieve success.

Click here to read the full story.

Previous Winners