\nAustin FC and Q2 Holdings, Inc. announced today the launch of the 2026 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition, presented by Q2. The sixth annual business initiative invites Austin entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups to apply and compete for $100,000 in \u201cDream Starter\u201d funds to accelerate their entrepreneurial venture. The online application <\/a>is now open to eligible entities and will close on Monday, April 13, at 11:59 pm. The winning venture will be announced on Thursday, May 28.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe\u2019re proud to officially kickoff the Dream Starter competition for what will be the sixth consecutive year of a program that provides direct funding to an aspiring business within our community,\u201d said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. \u201cThis initiative remains one of the most impactful outcomes of our partnership with Q2, and we\u2019re very grateful for their collaboration in making it a success each season.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe are proud to partner with Austin FC again this year to support underrepresented local entrepreneurs through the annual Dream Starter Competition,\u201d said Q2 Chairman, President and CEO Matt Flake. \u201cThis commitment reflects Q2\u2019s mission to build strong and diverse communities, and we are excited to help this year\u2019s winning venture expand its vision and impact.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nFrom the initial applicant group, five (5) finalists will be notified on Thursday, May 7, of their selection to participate in a Pitch Contest on Wednesday, May 27, at Q2 Stadium. Each finalist\u2019s presentation will be evaluated by a diverse group of representatives from Austin FC, Q2 Holdings, Inc., and other executives from the Austin entrepreneurial community. The Austin FC Dream Starter Competition winner will be honored with a check presentation during halftime at the Austin FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC match on Wednesday, July 22.<\/p>\n
\nThe Austin FC Dream Starter Competition combines Q2\u2019s mission with Austin FC\u2019s inclusivity through equity community pillar. The aim is to connect underrepresented entrepreneurs with the resources needed to build profitable, high-growth companies. The \u201cDream Starter\u201d funds will aid a Central Texas entrepreneur in overcoming financial barriers to achieve success. Click here <\/a>for a complete list of terms and conditions and to apply for the 2026 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition.<\/p>\n \nAbout Austin FC<\/p>\n \nAustin FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as the League\u2019s 27th club in January 2019. Austin FC officially began competing in MLS in April 2021, and in the 2025 season qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs while also reaching and hosting the final of the U.S. Open Cup. Austin FC plays its home matches at Q2 Stadium, a 100% privately financed, state-of-the-art stadium which earned certification as a zero-waste venue in 2024. Austin FC sold out all 88 MLS home matches it played at Q2 Stadium during its first five seasons in the league, including three home MLS Cup Playoff matches.<\/p>\n \nAustin FC also operates Austin FC II, a professional-level development team competing in MLS NEXT Pro which won the league title during its inaugural season in 2023. In addition, Austin FC operates the Austin FC Academy which is the fully funded developmental academy representing the highest level of competition for elite youth soccer players in Central Texas, while serving as the exclusive developmental pathway to MLS for the region\u2019s most talented young players. Combined, Austin FC II and Austin FC Academy teams complete the pro player pathway between elite youth soccer (MLS NEXT) all the way to MLS, and allow for players to develop, improve, and move up to Austin FC or Austin FC II.<\/p>\n \nAbout Q2 Holdings, Inc.<\/p>\n \nQ2 is a leading provider of digital transformation solutions for financial services, serving banks, credit unions, alternative finance companies, and fintechs in the U.S. and internationally. Q2 enables its financial institution and fintech customers to provide comprehensive, data-driven digital engagement solutions for consumers, small businesses and corporate clients. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Q2 has offices worldwide and is publicly traded on the NYSE and NYSE Texas under the stock symbol QTWO<\/a>. To learn more, please visit Q2.com<\/a>. Follow us on LinkedIn<\/a> and X<\/a> to stay up to date.<\/p>\n View source version on businesswire.com: https:\/\/www.businesswire.com\/news\/home\/20260325002184\/en\/<\/a><\/p>\n \nMEDIA CONTACTS:<\/p>\n \nGwen Hernandez, Sr. Communications Coordinater, Austin FC<\/p>\n
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C: 646.717.3196 \/ E: ghernandez@austinfc.com<\/a><\/p>\n