Q2 and Austin FC Announce the 2024 Dream Starter Competition Winner - 29ELEVEN THE SALON

Today, 29Eleven The Salon was announced as the winner of the 2024 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition presented by Q2 Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: QTWO). 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.

“After reviewing several innovative pitches, we’re delighted to announce 29Eleven The Salon as this year’s Dream Starter winner,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “Austin has an amazing and diverse entrepreneurial community, and we’re grateful to Q2 for their help in bringing this initiative to life for a fourth consecutive year.”

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.

“It is an honor to be selected as the 2024 Dream Starter Competition winner. This is an amazing opportunity to expand my business,” said 29Eleven Owner Tiffany Wilson. “People of Color spend $8 billion dollars annually on beauty and product services, with $3 billion spent on hair care. This will allow us to reach more people with kinky curls who need healthy hair care.”

“We are proud to support underrepresented local entrepreneurs through the annual Dream Starter Competition in partnership with Austin FC,” said Q2 CEO Matt Flake. “It’s exciting to learn about the diverse businesses the finalists represent here in Central Texas, all of which align so well with our Q2 mission. We look forward to seeing the impacts this year’s winner will make in its communities.”

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.

In addition to 29Eleven The Salon, the 2024 Dream Starter finalists included Amiguitos Spanish Immersion Academy, The Breastfeeding Success Company, Celzo Agua Fresca, and West China Tea.

29Eleven The Salon, along with the other finalists, participated in a pitch contest on May 23 at Q2 Stadium. A diverse group of representatives from Austin FC, Q2 Holdings, Inc., and the Austin entrepreneurial community evaluated each finalist’s presentation and ultimately selected the winner. 29Eleven The Salon will be honored with a check presentation during halftime at the Austin FC vs. Portland Timbers match on Wednesday, May 29.