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Follow on Google News | GroundFloor Startup Accelerator Application Now OpenOver $12,000 in training, mentoring and support to help entrepreneurs take their ventures to the next level.
The GroundFloor is targeted toward social innovation endeavors that would typically not be eligible for a grant through United Way’s highly competitive Community Impact Fund process because they have not met various operating and financial requirements including measurable results, as a result of the early stage of their business. Candidates selected to receive GroundFloor support are promising social ventures focused on solutions that address challenges facing education, financial stability and health. The first GroundFloor Fellows, including Cafe Momentum, Dallas Teacher Residency, Upswing, and AdvanceNet Labs leveraged their mentoring, support and seed funding investments of $610,000 to raise an additional $3M to fund their impact work. “As the first GroundFloor fellow, United Way has been critical in helping us grow this unconventional youth program that everyone told me wouldn’t work,” said Chad Houser, executive director and chef at Café Momentum. In addition to seed funding, those selected as GroundFloor Fellows will receive over $12,000 in training, mentoring and support to help them take their ventures to the next level. They will have the opportunity to work with industry experts to refine their business plans and push forward towards making an impact in our community. Benefits available to GroundFloor Fellows include: • One-on-One Mentorship: Our mentors have experience in a variety of fields and are paired with Fellows based on need and expertise. Mentoring can range from providing an overall sounding board and your business develops, or more strategic problem solving in specific areas. • Peer Learning: GroundFloor Fellows navigate the Accelerator as a group and benefit by watching and learning from each other. An important component of the program is building a camaraderie with a group of like-minded entrepreneurs who can serve as support and resource in the future. • Workshops: GroundFloor Workshops cover a variety of topics that are valuable to early-stage ventures. These topics can include: pitching, marketing, board development, legal structure, social media strategy, accounting, crowd funding and measuring impact. • Financial Capital: Seed money is awarded to give Fellows the runway to get their startups established. • Increased Visibility: The social capital of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas helps to shine attention on GroundFloor Fellows through media coverage and participation in community-wide events. • GroundFloor Staff: We are here to help you reach your goals. After an initial assessment of your organization, we will work with you to establish short and long-term goals that we will work towards achieving during the 10-month program. We strive to provide accountability and to create forward momentum for our Fellows. Applications are due August 21, 2015. Ventures will be selected through a competitive business plan and pitch competition. More information about the GroundFloor and the application process is available at http://thegroundfloor.org/ United Way of Metropolitan Dallas United Way of Metropolitan Dallas brings people together to improve lives and create lasting change here in North Texas by focusing on education, income, and health – the building blocks for strong families and thriving communities. We galvanize and connect all sectors of society – individuals, businesses, non-profits, and government – to create long-term change through investing in solutions that produce healthy, well-educated and financially stable individuals and families. We raise, invest and leverage over $50M annually in community-focused solutions serving Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and southern Denton counties. We do more than help one person beat the odds – we are changing the odds for entire communities. To learn more, please visit UnitedWayDallas.org. End
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