This coming September, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas will host a 12-week program, “Designed to support idea and early-stage social entrepreneurs, and it is specifically dedicated to women and entrepreneurs of color,” stated Alexis Snow — senior manager of innovation at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
The 12-week online learning program provides participants with a business plan development strategy through the Bridge for Billions platform, personalized leadership, seed funding, a chance to win $5,000 via a pitch competition, and prioritization for future programs organized by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas.
“I expect to provide a structured program that offers capacity building and support to entrepreneurs working to make a social impact in North Texas,” Snow states.
“We’re seeing applications from all ends of the spectrum. From idea, to grassroots, to entrepreneurs and ventures that have been operating for a few years but don’t have the components to expand due to a lack of information.”
She elaborates, stating that women and people of color have been historically disadvantaged regarding equity building and entrepreneurship because of opportunity gaps and systemic racial and gender inequities.
“The Social Innovation Incubator is one way to reduce those gaps in resources and opportunity by focusing on supporting startups founded by those who have historically been underrepresented in the social innovation sector,” Snow said in the organization’s July 22nd press release.
The program would also benefit all of North Texas, according to Snow, by creating more avenues for new voices to be heard. They expect to make positive impacts in the economy of Dallas by “[s]trategically investing in the needs of underrepresented entrepreneurs,” Snow states.
United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is looking for start-ups, both for-profit and non-profit, who are interested in making an impact in Dallas’ health, education, and income.
To find out more information on their application process, visit their website here.