Apply Now: Opportunities for North Texas Innovators – Yurika.R

North Texas is a big place with plenty of opportunities. Here’s a curated roundup of contests and competitions; accelerator and recognition programs; and resource and grant opportunities for North Texas innovators. 

Get the updated list on Friday: Sign up for our e-newsletter to stay in the loop. Information from the organizations is compiled by Dallas Innovates, and things can change: Confirm all deadlines and information with the organizations.

Know of a deadline coming up? Tell us about it here.

Webby Awards

Since 1996, The Webby Awards has been recognized as the premier international honor for Internet excellence. Each year, the world’s best independent and established brands, agencies, creatives, and marketers submit work that sets the standard for digital entertainment and innovation.

Last year’s Webby Awards received nearly 13,000 entries from 70 countries around the globe, celebrating B2B work across Advertising, PR & Media, Social, Video & Film, Podcasts and much more.

By participating in The Webbys, you can earn new work and place your work on the same stage as boundary-pushing companies, like past Webby Winners Airtable, Adobe, Apple, Evernote, Heinz, monday.com, Salesforce, Square, Slack, WeTransfer and Vox Media.

Learn more here.

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DEADLINE: OCTOBER 28

Airports For Innovation: Call4Startups

The Airports For Innovation Network (A4I) has launched the first-ever international Call4Startups, bringing together leading airports, innovative startups, and industry experts to redefine the future of aviation. As the only U.S. airport participating, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport joins the pioneering initiative, which invites startups to craft and test cutting-edge solutions aimed at elevating technological standards, enhancing passenger experiences, and boosting operational efficiency through sustainable innovations.

Program highlights:

• Call4Startups Opens: September 12, 2024
• Application Period: 8 weeks, ending in November 2024
• Pilot Start Date: December 2024
• Funding: Receive €20,000 per airport to cover operational and travel expenses for pilot projects
• Opportunities: Validate solutions in international airports, gain mentorship from industry leaders, and showcase your innovations on a global stage
• Selection Process: Proposals evaluated by an international committee; top-rated startups will run pilots in at least two international hubs over 12 months
• Equity-Free: The program is equity-free and does not require financial return on investment from the pilots

To learn more or apply, go here.

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Edison Awards

The Edison Award recognizes the persistence and excellence that also characterized Thomas Edison’s work. The prestige of winning the award can be a catalyst to propel your product/brand to even greater public awareness and bottom-line success.

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Global Entrepreneurship Week North Texas

Submit your events for Global Entrepreneurship Week Nov. 17-24.

Each November, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) reaches millions of people of all ages and backgrounds through local, national and global events and activities. 

During the week each November, speakers, panels, competitions, showcases and networking make up the thousands of events held around the world. The goal is to inspire millions to engage in entrepreneurial activity while connecting them to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors. 

Learn more and submit events here.

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FIFA World Cup 2026 Dallas Host City Poster Contest

With nine FIFA World Cup 2026 matches coming to Dallas-Fort Worth, the organization is inviting local artists to design a signature Host City poster that celebrates the city’s spirit and passion for the game. Each World Cup Host City will have its own poster, capturing the essence of football with a unique local touch.

Contest Details:

• Prizes: Three finalists will each receive $2,500, with the winning design selected as the official Dallas Host City Poster and awarded an additional $5,000.
• Eligibility: Open to Texas residents aged 18 and up. Multiple entries are permitted.

 

Artists interested in participating can register online to receive additional guidelines, including a toolkit, playbook, and timeline.

Go here to register and learn more.

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Texas Women for the Arts (TWA) Grant Program

Texas Women for the Arts (TWA), a program of the Texas Cultural Trust, is a statewide giving circle whose mission is to awaken and nurture the artist in every Texas child. Established in 2005, TWA unites the financial forces of Texas women in funding arts education programs throughout the state.

Applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation with the following exceptions: religious organizations and city/county/state historical agencies. Applications must be sponsored by a current TWA member. Grants are awarded on an annual basis, in the spring, and are selected following a rigorous review process. 

Learn more here.

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EY Entrepreneur of the Year

Each year the Entrepreneur of the Year program celebrates ambitious entrepreneurs who are building a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all. To be eligible, entrepreneurs must be the CEO or president of a private or public company who is primarily responsible for the recent performance of the company. Both founders and non-founders are eligible to apply, and the entrepreneur must have been in the role for at least two years by the application deadline.

Nominations are accepted year-round at eoy.ey.com. The 2024 program is underway, and applications for the 2025 program will be available in December 2024.

Learn more here.

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American Cancer Society’s BrightEdge Golden Ticket Pitch Competition

The Golden Ticket Pitch Competition, offered by the American Cancer Society’s BrightEdge in collaboration with AbbVie and Research Bridge Partners, will be hosted at Pegasus Park in Dallas, offering early-stage oncology companies the opportunity to compete for lab and office space at BioLabs Pegasus Park, a $25,000 cash prize, and invaluable guidance from industry professionals.

Oncology companies seeking seed-stage through Series A funding are invited to apply to the Golden Ticket Pitch Competition. Applicants must attend in person the pitch competition on March 11, 2025, and commit to residing at BioLabs Pegasus Park for one year, organizers said. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of the competition.

Companies must submit a pitch deck and complete an online application. Event partners ACS, AbbVie, and Research Bridge Partners will review submissions and select four to five finalists for the in-person, closed-door pitch competition. Finalists will present a pitch to a panel of judges from the partner companies, followed by a Q&A session, after which the judges will select a winner.

Applications are due by Jan. 23. On Feb. 21, the finalists will be notified of their invitation to participate in the live pitch competition on March 11 at Pegasus Park, 3000 Pegasus Park Drive in Dallas.

Learn more here.

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Cancer Moonshot Expedited Examination Pilot Program

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is offering a new program to expedite technologies that prevent cancer and cancer mortality, in support of President Biden’s Cancer Moonshot. Patent applications pertaining to qualifying technologies will be advanced and reviewed earlier than the usual process to help reach the goal of reducing the cancer mortality rate by at least 50% within 25 years.

*The special status will be offered until January 31, 2025, or the date by which the USPTO accepts a total of 1,000 grantable petitions (whichever comes first).

Go here for the official notice.

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Dallas Residency Program with MassChallenge

If you’re a member of the MassChallenge community and in need of office space, the Dallas Residency Program is open. Members of the MC community can take advantage of the chance to occupy space in Pegasus Park. The residency program offers access to flex desks in the Health Wildcatters office, designated office amenities, and engagement with a community of innovators in Dallas. The MassChallenge residency program is open to current cohort members, MassChallenge alumni, experts affiliated with MassChallenge, community or ecosystem partners, and startup founders who have applied or plan to apply to at least one program during their residency term.

Complete an interest form here.

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Present Your Startup Story at 1 Million Cups

Every week, 1MC hears from entrepreneurs over a cup of coffee, and you have the opportunity to tell your story.  Entrepreneurs present business ideas to the local community and learn how those around them can support their business in its growth. The local 1 Million Cups (1MC) community gives you the opportunity to refine your elevator pitch to a diverse audience, access training programs, and engage with a network for support. Find your local community here. In North Texas, you’ll find multiple 1MC groups in locations including Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Frisco, Northeast Tarrant County, and Wichita Falls.

APPLY TO PRESENT (be sure to sign in or register first!)

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National Science Foundation’s America’s Seed Fund

America’s Seed Fund distributes about $200 million a year to small businesses and startups with great ideas. Applicants may submit project pitches at any time during the year. If invited to submit a full proposal, the owner/entrepreneur could end up with as much as $2 million in seed funding.

Learn how to get started here.

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City of Dallas Environmental Youth Advisory Council

The city of Dallas announced the Dallas Environmental Youth Advisory Council, an initiative seeking to empower and mobilize youth to take proactive steps towards environmental sustainability within the governmental sector. The Environmental Youth Advisory Council is intended to tackle such issues as urbanization, congested roadways, loss of green spaces, strained infrastructure, and heat islands through partnerships with city departments, the Dallas Environmental Commission, environmental agencies, and other organizations via education and hands-on work in various communities.

Teens in Dallas can apply here.

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City of Fort Worth Boards and Commissions

The City of Fort Worth is seeking residents to serve on several boards and commissions. The boards with vacancies are the Aviation Advisory Board (Districts 2 and 10) and the Board of Adjustment-Commercial (District 6). The commissions with vacancies are the Building Standards Commission (District 2), the Historical and Cultural Landmarks Commission (District 10), the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission (District 4), the Urban Design Commission (District 10), and the Zoning Commission (District 1). You must be a resident with an address in the district with the vacancy to apply. Find your district number by searching your street address here. 

Learn more and apply here.

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The DEC Network’s Mentorship Program

The DEC Network aims to provide qualified and experienced mentors to entrepreneurs. Mentors provide advice, counsel and experience that can help entrepreneurs avoid the hurdles that stand in their path, while also being able to catapult their businesses forward. DEC Network mentors are volunteering their time to invest in small businesses because they understand the power of mentorship to make a difference. Mentors should be business leaders who have been in business for more than one year, have a legal entity, or are preparing to become a legal entity. Programs offered include 3 month, six month and 1 year mentorship options. Based on the prospective mentor’s application, DEC matches them with a mentee in the appropriate industry.

If you’re a startup founder looking for a mentor, there’s an application for you, too.

Learn more and apply here.

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Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint and Registered Apprenticeships

The U.S. Department of Labor is encouraging companies to help meet the rapidly growing demand for workers critical to building clean energy technologies, producing semiconductor chips, and driving a manufacturing boom all across the country. The Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint aims to expand and diversify pathways into good jobs and careers in advanced manufacturing. This national sprint brings together employers, labor unions, workforce development organizations, and others to develop high-quality education and training standards, portable credentials, and labor-management partnerships to ensure a diverse and robust manufacturing workforce ready to lead America’s manufacturing renaissance. 

In alignment of the broader Sprint, the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Sprint focuses on expanding Registered Apprenticeships within advanced manufacturing, including clean energy, semiconductors, supply chain, aerospace, automotive and biotechnology sectors/occupations.

Learn more here.

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IBM’s Call for Code Global Challenge

How can AI improve sustainability? Each quarter, IBM hosts a competition for teams of developers and problem solvers to build tech solutions that leverage IBM AI technologies to address specific global sustainability problems in clear and unique ways. By participating in the Global Challenge, in addition to the chance to win prizes and implementation support, participants gain skills in emerging tech like AI and machine learning and contribute to projects that have potential to help our planet. The quarterly challenge includes awards of up to $10,000, but the year-end awards will give out grand prizes of $50,000.

Areas of interest include carbon emissions, clean energy, supply chain transparency, water scarcity and quality, reducing waste, biodiversity, and reducing global food insecurity.

Learn more and register for the challenge here.

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Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Cohort

Owners of small businesses can receive 12 weeks of training for business growth, network with other business advisors and leaders, and find sources of capital in this free program.

Learn more about the program here.

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Patagonia Corporate Grant Program

Patagonia’s corporate grant program provides nonprofit startups focused on environmental protection with grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. Patagonia’s has a commitment to support the environment and help foster organizations that aim to make a positive environmental impact.

For details, go here.

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HSC SBIR Program

This program, operated through the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth, was created to help the owners of local forward-thinking small businesses apply for federal funds through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, collectively known as America’s Seed Fund. In December, HSC received a $2 million grant from Tarrant County to fund the program. To be eligible, companies must be in Tarrant County, have no more than 500 employees, be U.S. owned and operated, feature innovations and R&D with plans to commercialize. A new cohort begins each month through November 2024.

Learn more here.

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Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Incubator Academy

Southern Glazer’s is seeking diverse- and women-owned brands in wine, spirits, CBC, and non-alcoholic beverages to participate in its new Incubator Academy, a virtual platform providing e-learning modules on critical topics such as creating a sales pitch and the fundamentals of on and off premise math. The Incubator Academy is the latest program to support the commercial success of diverse- and women-owned brands.

Go here to learn more.

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The DEC Network and Bank 7 Small Business Grant Program

Got a small business in Southern Dallas County? You may be eligible for The DEC Network and Bank 7’s Small Business Grant Program. Grants are intended for small businesses (under $1 MM) in Southern Dallas County, established before 2019, and have three or more employees. Grants of $2,500 to $5,000 will be awarded.

Go here for the application or email [email protected] for more information.

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ARPA-H Seeking Health Breakthroughs

ARPA-H, the U.S. government’s Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, is looking to support revolutionary solutions to today’s health issues through their Program Managers project. If you have a game-changing health idea, you can apply to become an ARPA-H Program Manager. Well-defined problems and clear expertise will help an applicant move to the pitch stage. After pitching your program idea to potential future ARPA-H colleagues, you could be chosen to become a Program Manager. Selected Program Managers will serve a term-limited appointment of three to six years to ensure a constant rotation of new ideas and diverse perspectives.

Go here to learn more. 

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StartupOS Platform 

StartupOS just launched its platform for early-stage startups that provides free access to the business tools, guidance, mentors, and investors that founders need to accelerate the growth of their company and raise capital. The platform, which empowers founders through a series of learn-by-doing exercises, is perfect for validating ideas, building an MVP (minimally viable product), or achieving product market fit, all to increase the probability of a startup’s long-term success.

Go here to learn more.

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Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation Small Business Grants

Got a small business in Tarrant County? Apply for the Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation’s Small Business Accessibility Grant program. The Accelerate Fort Worth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports entrepreneurs in the greater Fort Worth area with resources they need to develop, launch and grow their businesses. To be eligible for the program, an applicant must be an owner or employee of a Tarrant County small business that has been in operation less than 5 years and has sales under $250,000. Applications will be accepted online until funds are exhausted. Up to $500 is awarded per applicant, with individual businesses capped at $2,000 per year from the date of application.

For more information, go here.

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Historic Tax Credit Program

The renovation of a historic building that will be used for a business or other income-producing purpose can recieve a federal tax credit up to 20% of the qualifying expenses of the rehabilitation. To qualify, a “substantial” amount must be spent rehabilitating the historic building, which needs to be certified as a historic structure by the National Park Service. The tax incentives program is administered by the National Park Service (NPS) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs). SHPOs serve as the first point of contact for property owners.

Go here to learn more.

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U.S. DOT’s SBIR Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation offers over $10 million annually in contracts to U.S. small businesses to research and develop innovative solutions to transportation challenges. Participating small businesses have developed innovative technologies with help from SBIR, also called America’s Seed Fund.

Go here to learn more.

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Dallas Small Business Diversity Fund

BCL of Texas is launching the Dallas Small Business Diversity Fund with a $1 million investment from Comerica Bank. The fund targets Dallas County women- and minority-owned businesses that have been operating for at least two years. The fund will offer loans ranging from $10,000 to $75,000. To qualify, the business should have 2 to 50 employees and a business net worth of $60,000 or more.

To learn more, go here.

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URBAN-X Mini Impact Program

Mini, the company behind the iconic vehicle, is offering URBAN-X, a three week virtual program followed one week on location at URBAN-X in New York City. The program is open to entrepreneurs with ideas to improve city life. Participants will get support from a team of experts in early-stage ventures and will connect with industry mentors and a community of fellow entrepreneurs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and the next cohort begins Nov. 14.

Go here to learn more.

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CPRIT Funds for cancer-fighting research, programs and startups

CPRIT—an investor in startups and early-stage companies—has unveiled four new requests for applications for product development research grants for the 2023 fiscal year. CPRIT, which stands for Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas has funded more than $3 billion for cancer-fighting research, therapeutics, devices, and tools since 2010. This current round of funding is available to Texas-based companies for research in several categories, including therapeutics, diagnostics, devices, and technologies.

Go here to learn more.

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NPower Tech Fundamentals: Free Virtual Training

This virtual program, with cohorts in fall and spring, aims to help young adults, 18 to 26, and military veterans and their spouses in the Dallas area, along with several other cities, launch careers in IT. This free 16-week training will offer opportunities for paid internships or project-based learning experiences while earning industry-recognized certifications. Participants will learn the basics of programming and IT-related skills and receive mentoring from senior IT professionals, employment readiness workshops, job placement assistance, and more.

Go here to learn more.

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Cultivate Small Business mentors

Impact Ventures in partnership with Santander Bank, N.A. is bringing a food-centric Cultivate Small Business Program to Dallas-Fort Worth. This mini-MBA program targets food and food-adjacent businesses and comes with grants for qualifying business. Impact Ventures is looking for seasoned mentors and experts to help support entrepreneurs in the program, which starts in September.

To learn more, go here.

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a16z START program

If you have an idea for a new technology company, the a16z START program from andreesen.horowitz offers a seed fund with partner investors helping entrepreneurs in their journeys. They help those who just have ideas and haven’t yet started to those who are scaling a new product. The a16z START program invests up to $1 million for a percentage of ownership in your company. Founders receive support, access to a network of debt financiers and help from a community of go-to-market pros.

For more information, go here.

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Black Women & Black Non-Binary Founders Grant

These grants of $5,000 and $10,000 from SoGal and their partner organizations go to Black women and Black non-binary founders. Awardees will also receive tactical help navigating the fundraising environment at large so that they will have a more equitable opportunity at scaling the next billion-dollar idea. They will also receive lifetime “ask-me-anything” access to the SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams. 

For more information, go here.

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Ecosystem Support Program (ESP)

The Ethereum Foundation offers grants and other support for open-source projects that strengthen Ethereum’s foundations, with a particular focus on builder tools, infrastructure, research, and public goods. The grants are designed to enable software builders to expand the range of tools available to those building on Ehereum, gaining a deeper understanding of cryptographic basics, and growing the builder ecosystem through education and community development.

To learn more, go here.

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UNICEF Innovation Fund

The UNICEF Innovation Fund invests in early stage, open-source, emerging technology solutions, providing equity-free grants to qualified applicants. The program seeks those offering scalable digital public goods, stronger communities of problem solvers, and growing solutions that bring results for children and the world.

Go here to learn more.

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Cowtown Angels

The Cowtown Angels network is accepting applications for funding consideration with a monthly deadline of the fourth Monday in 2023. Based in Fort Worth, Cowtown Angels is an angel network that connects entrepreneurs seeking early-stage funding with local investors in an environment that accelerates growth and rewards strategic risk-taking. Cowtown Angels is a program of TechFW, a non-profit organization created to encourage the development of the local business community by helping regional entrepreneurs commercialize innovative technology.

Go here for more information.

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NASE Growth Grant

NASE (National Association for the Self-Employed) offers business development grants for up to $4,000. To apply, you must be a NASE member. NASE’s Growth Grant program is intended for businesses planning to take the next step in their venture.  It provides available capital for small businesses and sole proprietors to be able to hire and train additional employees, market their business in new and existing ways or invest in new equipment or software. 

For more information, go here.

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GCRE Impact Fund

Gardner Capital, a private equity firm specializing in multi-family housing and solar energy development and investment, is offering a GCRE Impact Fund to provide up to $25,000 in funding for qualifying proposals to make solar more efficient for tenants in multifamily housing.

For more information, go here.

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Toyota Ventures Innovation Fund

Toyota Ventures, Toyota’s Manufacturing Project Innovation Center (MPIC), and Toyota Research Institute are teaming up to fund early-stage startups developing solutions to modernize manufacturing and advance sustainable production. Toyota Ventures is investing between $500,000 and $2 million from its Frontier Fund or Climate Fund and offering a chance to collaborate with Toyota on a proof-of-concept project. Software and hardware solutions are welcome across a number of categories, including 3D simulation, AI, robotics software, improvements to energy efficiency, cybersecurity, and more.

To be eligible, the company should have less than $10 million USD in funding, have a working prototype, and a business model that solves a market need and delivers value to customers. For more information, go here.

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Last Mile Education Fund

Applications are currently open for the Last Mile Education Fund, supported by a $100,000 grant from Lyda Hill Philanthropies, which is working to increase access to biotech careers for low-income North Texas students. Biotech talent is in high demand in the region across startup, corporate, and medical systems, and offers fulfilling and high-paying careers with benefits. The North Texas Biotech Workforce Fund supports students aiming for biotech and related STEM degrees and certificates in 26 designated counties in North Texas. Qualified students will be eligible for rapid response emergency mini-grants to support their educational progress and help overcome unexpected financial obstacles. 

Go here for more information.

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CDFI Friendly Fort Worth

The City of Fort Worth’s Department of Economic Development and the Department of Diversity and Inclusion are working through 2022 with CDFI Friendly America, a national company that helps connect underserved communities with CDFI (Community Development Financial Institutions) loans. CDFIs offer flexible, affordable, and patient financing to small business owners, affordable housing developers, nonprofits, consumers, and commercial real estate in underserved communities. CDFI Friendly Fort Worth will match residents, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits to CDFIs to help address funding gaps. The City of Fort Worth committed $3 million to the program, and officials hope to draw $250 million in financing over the next five years. To participate, the residence or business to be financed must be in Fort Worth.

For more information, go here.

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Texas Skills Development Fund

Texas private businesses, business consortiums, and trade unions are eligible to apply for a grant through the Texas Skills Development Fund to assist with workforce needs by partnering with a public community or technical college, or with an organization that partners with one of those institutions. Grants for a single business may be limited to $500,000.

To be considered, an employer must:

• • • Partner with an eligible grant applicant, which is a public community or technical college, the Texas Engineering Extension Service, or a private, nonprofit community-based organization in partnership with one of those institutions
    • Be actively involved in the planning and design of the customized training project
    • Pay wages to the employees who complete the training program that are equal to or greater than the prevailing wage for the occupation in the local labor market
    • Disclose any other state or federal grant funds awarded for the proposed training project
    • Sign an agreement with the grant applicant outlining each entity’s roles and responsibilities in the training project, including reporting requirements related to trainee participation
    • Provide equal employment opportunity documentation as well as information on the occupations for training, employment benefits, wages and social security numbers for trainees
    • Use WorkInTexas.com to post openings for new workers trained under the project

For more information, go here.

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The Accelerator Powered by Nestlé R&D

The Nestlé R+D Accelerator program aims at empowering food and beverage entrepreneurs to bring their products from idea to shop shelf in just six months. Successful applicants could receive assistance with design, packaging, innovation, regulatory and legal issues, plus get access to a prototype kitchen with resident chefs. The goal is to develop and test products in six months in real market conditions and includes a dedicated budget to help cover operational expenses. Entrepreneurs can apply to multiple Accelerators around the world. There are three Nestlé R&D Accelerators in the United States: two in Ohio and one at the U.S. headquarters for Nestlé in Arlington, Va.

Go here for more information.

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Judge or Volunteer at the International Science & Engineering Fair

Come be a judge or volunteer at ISEF, the world’s largest pre-college science competition. Regeneron ISEF provides an annual forum for 1,800 high school students to showcase their talents on an international stage. This year’s event is set for May 13-19 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

Go here to learn more.