• Tuesday, March 25 at 9am CT – Application portal opens
• Monday, April 14 at 11:59pm CT – Application portal closes
• Tuesday, April 15 – Wednesday, May 7 – Applications reviewed
• Thursday, May 8
  • Five Finalists are notified
  • 'Perfect My Pitch Virtual' Group Meeting
• Tuesday, May 13 – 'Perfect My Pitch Virtual' Individual Meetings
• Thursday, May 22 – 2025 Dream Starter Pitch Competition at Q2 Stadium
• Friday, May 23 – Winner announced to the public
• Wednesday, May 28 – Halftime check presentation during Austin FC vs. Real Salt Lake at Q2 Stadium

For a complete list of terms and conditions about the Austin FC Dream Starter Competition, click here.

For a list of frequently asked questions, click here.

To preview the application questions, click here.

Panelists Yuen Yung, Bharath Oruganti, and Vanessa Newton—moderated by Hannah Taylor—shared best practices and advice on the Dream Starter process.

Jinny Reif

Jinny Reif is responsible for leading all accounting and finance functions for Austin FC, and comes with 20 years of professional experience. She is also the Treasurer for the Club’s nonprofit arm, 4ATX Foundation. Prior to joining Austin FC in October 2020, Reif served as Controller in various industries and started her career in public accounting at EY. Reif holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration - Accounting and a Master’s in Professional Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. She is also licensed as a Certified Public Accountant.

Robert Shipman – EVP of Commercial Banking, Frost Bank

Robert Shipman serves as Executive Vice President of Commercial Banking at Frost Bank, overseeing operations in Austin and the surrounding areas. With over twenty-two years of experience in the banking industry, including thirteen years at Frost Bank, he specializes in business development, commercial lending, client management, and community engagement. Robert leads a team of bankers that are dedicated to building long-term relationships as trusted advisors for their clients and the communities Frost serves.

A multi-generational Texas native, Robert graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He is also an active community volunteer, serving on the board of the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) in Austin and supporting various other community organizations in the Austin area.

Jonathan Price – Chief Financial Officer, Q2

With nearly 20 years of experience in corporate finance, Jonathan has an extensive background in operating leadership roles across investment banking, corporate strategy, and the technology and financial services software industries. Jonathan has significant leadership experience at Q2, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, Strategy & Emerging Businesses, where he was instrumental in guiding and shaping Q2’s strategic initiatives to create long-term value while delivering on the company’s mission.

Since joining Q2 in 2018, Jonathan has also led corporate development strategy and taken on increasing roles of responsibility, including leading the business development function since January 2019, and overseeing the company’s emerging businesses operations since September 2020—including Helix, Q2 Innovation Studio, and Alt-FI lending—with a focus on accelerating innovation and growth across the company.

Prior to Q2, Jonathan spent over 12 years as an investment banker, specializing primarily in technology and financial services software. He served in the Technology & Business Services Investment Banking group at BMO Capital Markets, where he advised vertical software and financial technology companies on strategic opportunities and funding alternatives. Before BMO, he spent time between Citi and Goldman Sachs. Jonathan holds an HBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business.

Davon Barbour – President/CEO Downtown Austin Alliance

Barbour has served as President and CEO of the Downtown Development District of the City of New Orleans since December 2021. He brings extensive experience revitalizing urban communities nationwide, having worked in the private, public and nonprofit sectors in cities including Baltimore, Miami, Orlando and Los Angeles. In a previous role as senior vice president of Economic Development for the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, he led the organization to win an Award of Excellence in Economic Development for its Tech Connect commercial attraction program from the International Downtown Association. He also served as project manager for a $2 billion redevelopment project in Baltimore, MD, including the Life Sciences + Technology Park at Johns Hopkins, mixed-income housing and local job creation.

Before that, he was VP of Advocacy & Economic Development for The Hollywood Partnership, managing the Hollywood Entertainment District. He also led the Community & Economic Development Division of the Los Angeles County Development Authority, overseeing redevelopment, loans and the nation’s largest urban county CDBG program, administering over $150M in COVID-19 recovery initiatives.

Barbour served as Chair for an Urban Land Institute Technical Advisory Panel in support of Sankofa CDC. He is a member of the Executive Committee of the International Downtown Association and has been extensively involved in ICSC, the world’s largest retail real estate trade organization. At ICSC, he serves on its Board of Trustees and has held roles as Western Division P3 Public Chair, Eastern Division P3 Public Sector Chair and faculty member of its University of Shopping Centers. He is also a lover of the arts and a former professional West African dancer and instructor.

Katrina Levenick – VP of Marketing, Austin Telco Federal Credit Union

Katrina Levenick, VP of Marketing at Austin Telco Federal Credit Union, has over 20 years of experience driving brand growth and strategic marketing initiatives. During her time at ATFCU, Katrina has spearheaded the development of innovative financial products and marketing strategies, leading to enhanced brand visibility that resonates with consumers. Katrina’s marketing expertise spans a wide range mediums, making her an invaluable figure within Austin Telco’s accomplished leadership team.

Katrina received a bachelor's degree from St. Edwards University and is passionate about the work she does, as it provides a unique blend of mission-driven work, creative opportunities and has a huge impact on the local community.

29Eleven the Salon was announced as the winner of the 2024 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition presented by Q2 Holdings, Inc. 29Eleven the Salon will receive $100,000 in funding to accelerate its business and mission as part of the Austin FC Dream Starter business initiative, which supports Austin entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds.

29Eleven the Salon provides education and hair care services to address the unique needs of curly and highly textured hair. Historically, cosmetology schools have only provided training focused on straighter hair textures, which results in the surrounding communities being underserved for hair care services.

The Austin FC Dream Starter Competition combines Q2’s mission with Austin FC’s inclusivity through equity community pillar. The aim is to connect underrepresented entrepreneurs with the resources needed to build profitable, high-growth companies. The “Dream Starter” funds will aid 29Eleven the Salon in overcoming financial barriers to achieve success.

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