## Upcoming Opportunities for North Texas Innovators
North Texas is a big place with plenty of opportunities for innovators. Here’s a curated roundup of contests, competitions, accelerator programs, recognition programs, and resource and grant opportunities for North Texas innovators.
### T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined
The T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined program sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an executive-level training program for small businesses. The program combines business fundamentals with innovative tools and competitive strategies to accelerate growth. The program kicks off on June 18 and ends on Dec. 10. [Learn more and apply here](https://sbathrive.com/home).
### Impact Ventures Accelerate U
Impact Ventures has received a half-million dollar grant from the PNC Foundation to create the PNC Community Micro Equity Fund. The fund offers flexible grants, debt, and equity capital to under-resourced businesses in North Texas. An information session for applicants to the Summer Capital Readiness Program will be held on May 15. [Learn more here](https://impact-ventures.co/2024/05/06/impact-ventures-launches-community-micro-equity-fund-supported-by-pnc-foundation-500000-grant/).
### New Texas Talent Visual Arts Exhibition
The Craighead Green Gallery in Dallas is hosting the New Texas Talent exhibition for visual artists over the age of 18 residing in Texas. Submitted works must be available for sale and created within the past two years. Selected works will be displayed at the Craighead Green Gallery from July 20 to August 24. [Learn more here](https://www.craigheadgreen.com/new-texas-talent-31).
### Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator
The Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator focuses on addressing challenges and opportunities in physical health. The accelerator program starts on September 9 and ends on December 5 with Demo Day. [Learn more here](https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/physical-health-fort-worth).
### Techstars Anywhere Remote Accelerator
Techstars’ remote-first accelerator supports companies innovating across any industry. The program offers top-tier accelerator opportunities to companies in North American time zones. The accelerator starts on Sept. 9 and ends on Dec. 5 with Demo Day. [Learn more here](https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/anywhere).
### Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is an investment in the growth of small businesses. The program provides access to education, capital, and support services for entrepreneurs looking to grow their business. Online informational sessions will be held on May 8 and May 16. [Learn more and apply here](https://10ksbapply.com/).
### Pro-Forma $50K Virtual Pitch Competition
Pro-Forma is sponsoring a virtual pitch competition for startups. The winner will receive $25K in cash and $25K in services, along with the opportunity to pitch for additional investment. The winner will also receive referrals to other VCs. [Learn more and apply here](https://pro-formapitch.com/).
### Moody Foundation’s Education M-Pact Fund Cycle 2
The Moody Foundation’s Education M-Pact Fund is an annual grantmaking process supporting Texas education. The fund will distribute grants annually to education institutions and nonprofits focusing on Early Learning and Postsecondary Success. An informational webinar will be held on May 1. [Learn more about the grants here](https://moodyf.org/education-mpact-fund/).
### Tech Titans Awards Nominations
Nominate companies and individuals transforming the high-tech industry in North Texas for the Tech Titans Awards. Award categories include Community Hero, Corporate CEO Award, Corporate CIO/CTO Award, and more. Nominations are open with no fee to apply. [Learn more here](https://techtitans.secure-platform.com/a).
### EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator
The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator is a fully remote training and grant opportunity focused on empowering health equity-focused founders. The program offers startups the chance at non-equity funding, evaluation of business models, and a six-week training program. An information session will be held online on June 4. [Learn more here](https://www.empoweredtoserve.org/en/business-accelerator-program).
### SMU Cox Dallas 100
Apply to be part of an exclusive community of the fastest-growing privately held companies in North Texas with the SMU Cox Dallas 100 program. The program fosters innovation, growth, and impactful opportunities in the DFW region. The application process takes less than 10 minutes. [Learn more and apply here](https://www.smu.edu/cox/centers-institutes/caruth-institute-for-entrepreneurship/dallas-100).
### Lone Star Film Festival
The 18th annual Lone Star Film Festival in Fort Worth is seeking entries in various categories, including feature films, documentaries, and student films. Submissions are encouraged in narrative and documentary feature-length films and short-length films. International films are also welcome with English subtitles. Winners will be notified on September 25. [Learn more here](https://filmfreeway.com/LoneStarFilmFestival).
### 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. [Go here for the official notice](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-12-09/pdf/2022-26776.pdf).
### Dallas Residency Program with MassChallenge
The Dallas Residency Program with MassChallenge offers office space for members of the MassChallenge community. Members can occupy space in Pegasus Park and access flex desks, office amenities, and engage with a community of innovators in Dallas. The program is open to current cohort members, MassChallenge alumni, experts, and startup founders. [Complete an interest form here](https://airtable.com/appfIclOds9Zf1aSG/shrS8j6rPjZLo3qOm?utm_campaign=MC%20US%20Alumni%20Newsletters&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=298276644&_hsenc=p2ANqtz–MNfsbIHQ7pwSpTeBCZKCz_cDxZBUzdWwbMH26SS5V8uZOitzMPIEgQ9dSQYnuEHI9ufWb4MXBjsUBtIUyeuaLRKqwoLQ111FgufGeiALhfQs-wt0&utm_content=298276644&utm_source=hs_email).
### Present Your Startup Story at 1 Million Cups
1 Million Cups offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to present their business ideas to the local community and receive feedback and support. The local 1 Million Cups community provides a platform for refining elevator pitches, access to training programs, and networking opportunities. Find your local community [here](https://www.1millioncups.com/s/communities) and [apply to present here](https://www.1millioncups.com/s/apply-to-present?CommunityId=0014W00002AqQe2QAF).
### National Science Foundation’s America’s Seed Fund
America’s Seed Fund offers funding opportunities for small businesses and startups with innovative ideas. Applicants can submit project pitches at any time during the year and may receive up to $2 million in seed funding. [Learn how to get started here](https://seedfund.nsf.gov/apply/get-started).
### City of Dallas Environmental Youth Advisory Council
The City of Dallas is seeking residents to serve on several boards and commissions. The boards with vacancies include the Aviation Advisory Board, Board of Adjustment-Commercial, Building Standards Commission, Historical and Cultural Landmarks Commission, Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Commission, Urban Design Commission, and Zoning Commission. [Learn more and apply here](https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/government/boards/boards-members-vacancies).
### The DEC Network’s Mentorship Program
The DEC Network offers a mentorship program for startup founders looking for guidance and support from experienced business leaders. Mentors provide advice, counsel, and experience to help entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of growing their business. [Learn more and apply here](https://thedec.co/programs/#1675197343589-e16afa74-b308).
### Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint and Registered Apprenticeships
The U.S. Department of Labor is encouraging companies to help meet the growing demand for workers in advanced manufacturing. The Advanced Manufacturing Workforce Sprint aims to expand and diversify pathways into good jobs and careers in advanced manufacturing. The program focuses on developing high-quality education and training standards, portable credentials, and labor-management partnerships to ensure a diverse and robust manufacturing workforce. [Learn more here](https://www.apprenticeship.gov/advanced-manufacturing-apprenticeship-sprint).
### IBM’s Call for Code Global Challenge
IBM hosts a competition for teams of developers and problem solvers to build tech solutions using AI to address global sustainability problems. The quarterly challenge includes awards of up to $10,000, with grand prizes of $50,000 at the year-end awards. [Learn more and register for the challenge here](https://developer.ibm.com/callforcode/global-challenge/#whoShouldParticipate).
### Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Cohort
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program offers training for business growth and access to capital for entrepreneurs. The program provides a full scholarship for selected participants. [Learn more here](https://www.10ksbapply.com/).
### Patagonia Corporate Grant Program
Patagonia’s corporate grant program provides grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 for nonprofit startups focused on environmental protection. The program aims to support organizations making a positive environmental impact. [For details, go here](https://www.cybergrants.com/pls/cybergrants/quiz.display_question?x_gm_id=2853&x_quiz_id=5928&x_order_by=1).
### HSC SBIR Program
The University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth offers a program to help local small businesses apply for federal funds through the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs. The program is funded by a $2 million grant from Tarrant County and aims to support startups focused on health equity and social determinants of health. [Learn more here](https://www.hscnext.com/en/page/sbir-phase-0-en).
### Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Incubator Academy
Southern Glazer’s is seeking diverse- and women-owned brands in wine, spirits, and non-alcoholic beverages to participate in its Incubator Academy. The program provides e-learning modules on critical topics and aims to support the commercial success of diverse- and women-owned brands. [Learn more here](https://www.southernglazers.com/become-a
**North Texas Innovators: Apply Now**
Are you an innovator in North Texas looking for opportunities to accelerate your growth and make a difference in your community? Look no further! Here’s a curated roundup of contests, accelerator programs, grants, and other opportunities for North Texas innovators:
1. **T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined**: Sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, this executive-level program offers training, coaching, and networking opportunities for small business owners. The program kicks off on June 18, and the deadline was April 28. [Learn more and apply here](https://sbathrive.com/home).
2. **Impact Ventures Accelerate U**: Impact Ventures has received a grant to create the PNC Community Micro Equity Fund, providing capital and support to under-resourced businesses in North Texas. An information session for applicants will be held on May 15. [Learn more here](https://impact-ventures.co/2024/05/06/impact-ventures-launches-community-micro-equity-fund-supported-by-pnc-foundation-500000-grant/).
3. **New Texas Talent Visual Arts Exhibition**: Open to visual artists in Texas, this exhibition will showcase works created within the past two years. Selected works will be displayed at the Craighead Green Gallery. [Learn more here](https://www.craigheadgreen.com/new-texas-talent-31).
4. **Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth Accelerator**: This accelerator program focuses on physical health innovations and provides funding, mentorship, and resources to startups. The program starts on September 9. [Learn more here](https://www.techstars.com/accelerators/physical-health-fort-worth).
5. **Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses**: This program offers education, capital, and support services to small businesses. Applicants must meet certain criteria and attend informational sessions on May 8 and May 16. [Learn more and apply here](https://10ksbapply.com/).
And many more opportunities are available for North Texas innovators. Don’t miss out on these chances to grow your business and make an impact in the community. Stay updated by signing up for our e-newsletter to receive the latest opportunities every Friday. [Sign up here](http://www.dallasinnovates.com/signup).
If you know of any upcoming deadlines or opportunities, [share them with us here](http://dallasinnovates.com/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b8dcd9d4d4d9cbd1d6d6d7ced9ccddcbf8dcd9d4d4d9cbd6ddc0cc96dbd7d587cbcddad2dddbcc85f9e8e8f4e1).
Don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities to grow your business and make a difference in North Texas! Apply now and take your innovation to the next level.