Hiring mixer in Oak Cliff draws hundreds seeking career growth and community support

DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — The T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF) yesterday announced the official launch of Power of 5, a bold national movement that demonstrates how small gifts can create extraordinary impact. The campaign invites one million people to each contribute $5 and inspire five friends to do the same, fueling economic access, financial literacy, education, and workforce readiness in underserved communities across America.

The campaign opened with a high-energy Instagram Live conversation featuring Chairman T.D. Jakes and cultural influencers, setting the tone for a movement built on generosity, technology, and collective action. With early support from Wells Fargo, which pledged to match the first $1 million raised, Power of 5 signals a new era of philanthropy, one where access and impact are multiplied through digital reach and shared purpose.

Designed for the modern donor, the campaign integrates mobile-first giving platforms, QR codes, text-to-give, and branded social assets to inspire grassroots engagement. Supporters receive digital badges to share online, amplifying visibility and creating a viral wave of generosity.

The kickoff, themed “$1M in Motion,” features real-time donation tracking, social media takeovers, and surprise activations powered by more than 50 micro-influencers and a roster of high-profile cultural voices including Egypt Sherrod, Angela Simmons, Malinda Williams, ShantaQuilette Deville and more. From the first donation to the millionth, Power of 5 will showcase the power of community-driven philanthropy in action.

“Five dollars may seem small, but when multiplied by one million people, it has the power to transform generations,” said Kelley Cornish, President & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation. “Power of 5 is more than a campaign, it’s a call to action. It is everyday people fueling change, proving that together we can open doors to opportunity, create pathways to education and career readiness, and ensure that communities have what they need to thrive.”

Funds raised will support the operations and pillars of the T. D. Jakes Foundation which are: financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being. These programs provide the tools, training, and resources families need to achieve long-term economic mobility.

– To donate and learn more about the campaign, visit: https://givebutter.com/Powerof5

– Or text “POWEROF5” to 53555 to give

Kelley Cornish is available for interviews to share how the initiative reflects a larger shift toward accessible, digital-first philanthropy and why this collective call to action comes at just the right time.

About the T.D. Jakes Foundation
The T.D. Jakes Foundation is a national nonprofit organization committed to improving the lifelong outcomes of individuals and communities who have limited access to resources and opportunities. Through bold, collaborative programs in workforce development, education, financial literacy, and community transformation, the Foundation creates lasting pathways to economic mobility.

About Kelley Cornish
Kelley Cornish is the President & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation and is a nationally recognized leader in workforce transformation, innovation and systems change. Her career spans corporate leadership, philanthropy, and social impact building bridges between industry and community to drive sustainable change.

TDJF Website: https://tdjfoundation.org
Donation Campaign Site: https://givebutter.com/Powerof5
Text “POWEROF5” to 53555 to give

At the heart of the Forum, the $500K Seed Capital Pitch Competition, presented by Wells Fargo, empowered a new wave of entrepreneurs with equity-free funding to grow and scale their businesses.

The 2025 Good Soil Forum, presented by Wells Fargo, concluded in Dallas this weekend with resounding success, as over 2,000 entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders gathered at the AT&T Performing Arts Center from June 12th through 14th for one of the nation’s most transformative small business events.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250617658480/en/

Winners of the 2025 Good Soil Forum Capital Seed Pitch Competition, presented by Wells Fargo, pictured with Chairman T.D. Jakes and Michael Martino, Head of Customer Growth Segments, Consumer, Small & Business Banking at Wells Fargo – Photo credit: @ExclusiveAccess.net

Global icon Oprah Winfrey joined T.D. Jakes, Founder of the Good Soil Movement, for a powerful fireside conversation that anchored the three-day event. The three day event boasted a dynamic lineup of speakers, including Operation HOPE Founder John Hope Bryant; fashion designer Jerry Lorenzo; financial educator Wallstreet Trapper; Camille Rose Founder and CEO Janell Stephens; Founder of CURLS and Huzzy Smart Sips, Mahisha Dellinger; artist and entrepreneur David Banner; and Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole Hayes—who shared insights on building generational wealth, securing funding, scaling businesses, and leading with purpose. Together, they reinforced the Forum’s mission to close opportunity gaps for underserved and undercapitalized entrepreneurs.

This year’s theme, The Transformation Agenda, came to life through dynamic panels, hands-on workshops, high-impact networking, and the marquee moment—the $500,000 Seed Capital Pitch Competition, presented by Wells Fargo. Entrepreneurs from across the country competed for equity-free funding to grow their ventures and drive community impact. Financial technology platform, Hello Alice was also onsite, providing small business owners with valuable resources and guidance to access capital and scale their ventures.

The competition concluded with the announcement of this year’s standout winners — each recognized for their bold ideas, strong business potential, and commitment to driving meaningful change:

2025 Seed Capital Competition Winners

• 1st Place – $200,000
  Rozalynn Goodwin, Confidence by GaBBy Goodwin — Columbia, South Carolina
• 2nd Place – $100,000
  Kia-Shun Voltz, Shampoo Time — Red Oak, Texas
  + $50,000 Dallas Community Award
• 3rd Place – $75,000
  Paden Sickles, SickFit — Arlington, Texas

The judging panel included the following leaders:

• Michael Martino, Head of Customer Growth Segments, Consumer, Small & Business Banking, Wells Fargo
• Dr. K.L. Allen, Chancellor, Western Governors University
• Elizabeth Gore, Co-Founder & President, Hello Alice
• Ansley Carlisle, Investor, Mark Cuban Companies

“For too long, entrepreneurs—especially those from undercapitalized communities—have been left without the support and access they need to thrive,” said T.D. Jakes. “The Good Soil Forum is about more than ideas—it’s about action. We’re convening power to ensure today’s dreamers have the capital, mentorship, and networks to turn their visions into sustainable enterprises.”

“Good Soil Forum delivers much needed resources and opportunities to aspiring businesses looking to grow and thrive,” said Kristy Fercho, head of Financial Inclusion at Wells Fargo. “Wells Fargo is proud to support initiatives that continue to foster innovation and equip entrepreneurs with essential tools to succeed in their journey forward.”

The Good Soil Movement—now 26,000+ members strong—continues its mission to help one million entrepreneurs reach $1M in revenue within the next decade. Since its inception, the movement has awarded nearly $1 million in capital, cultivated a thriving ecosystem of founders, and championed the belief that with the right soil, every idea has the potential to grow.

Stand Together Foundation, part of the Stand Together philanthropic community, was also onsite at the 2025 Good Soil Forum, supporting community-driven change and backing social entrepreneurs working closest to the challenges.

“Stand Together is proud to partner with the Good Soil Movement to support a growing community of principled entrepreneurs,” said Brian Hooks, chairman and CEO, Stand Together. “There is no limit to what people can accomplish when they have the opportunity and support required to bring their ideas to life. Good Soil is flipping the script to show the tremendous value that can be created when we stop seeing people as problems to be solved and start seeing them as opportunities to invest in.”

Impact partners included presenting sponsor Wells Fargo, supporting partner, the Stand Together Foundation, impact partners Hello Alice, Lemonade Day, The T.D. Jakes Foundation, and Western Governors University, and media partner, iHeart Media.

For more information or to join the movement, visit www.goodsoilforum.com and follow @goodsoilforum for updates.

About The Good Soil Movement:
Good Soil Movement empowers entrepreneurs by providing networking opportunities, resources, and solutions for growing and scaling businesses. With a mission to help one million entrepreneurs generate $1 million in revenue over the next ten years, Good Soil is fostering economic stability and generational wealth. Since its inception, the movement has grown to a thriving network of over 26,000 members, equipping small business owners with tangible tools for success. Every conversation plants a seed for growth, turning every moment into an opportunity to bloom. Learn more at www.goodsoilforum.com. Follow @goodsoilforum on IG for updates.

About Hello Alice:
Hello Alice is a financial technology company that provides access to capital, connections, and education to over 1.5 million entrepreneurs. Through data-driven business plans, Hello Alice delivers personalized recommendations that drive profitable solutions between small businesses and give entrepreneurs access to the resources they need to grow. In turn, our business health engine for banks and enterprise business services helps corporations increase engagement and transactions with small businesses. The result is more money in the pockets of small businesses and the brands that serve them. Founded by Carolyn Rodz and Elizabeth Gore, Hello Alice remains steadfast in its mission to ensure that every small business owner has the resources to thrive and live their dream. For more information visit: HelloAlice.com

About Stand Together Foundation:
Stand Together Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their full potential through community-driven change. We are building a movement of social entrepreneurs who believe in people, work with individuals closest to the problem, and unite with anyone to do right. Through innovations that inspire Americans to help each other, they are building stronger, safer communities where all people can learn, contribute, and live lives of meaning. Stand Together Foundation is part of the Stand Together philanthropic community. Learn more at StandTogetherFoundation.org.

In 2023, Pastor T.D. Jakes launched the Good Soil Movement with a mission to “plant seeds” of ideas and growth in minority businesses owners. For two years, the longtime entrepreneur and pastor—who has plans to retire as senior pastor of Potter’s House—has carried out this mission by hosting the annual Good Soil Forum at the AT&T Performing Arts Center. The weekend-long conference is headlined by a pitch competition, similar in structure to Shark Tank.

On June 14, three entrepreneurs were awarded a total of $425,000 to help grow their businesses. Two of the three founders run DFW-based businesses, Shampoo Time and SickFit.

The pitch competition featured seven finalists and each was given 5 minutes and 30 seconds to pitch their companies. They were allotted three minutes to answer questions from the judges. The judging panel included leaders from Wells Fargo, Mark Cuban Cos., Western Governors University, and Hello Alice.

Taking home the grand prize of $200,000 was a mother-daughter duo who run South Carolina-based Gabby Bows. At the age of seven, Gabby Goodwin, alongside her mother Rozalynn Goodwin, created the first patented double-face, double-snap hair barrette. Now a teenager, the CEO has sold more than 1 million bows through her website, Amazon, and Walmart and Target’s e-commerce storefronts.

The $200,000 investment will be used to help get Gabby Bows into 876 Claire’s storefronts this fall. “We were revived in our faith to believe in our business and our dreams,” Rozalynn Goodwin said following her win.

Coming in second place, earning a total of $100,000—plus an additional $50,000 for winning the Dallas Host Award—was Shampoo Time, a Dallas-based beauty brand. It manufactures shampoo mats for babies, toddlers, and children. Founder and CEO Kia-Shun Voltz plans on using the funding to expand Shampoo Time’s haircare line to include new products such as grease and leave-in conditioner.

In 2020, Voltz said she launched Shampoo Time after realizing just how much anxiety children and their parents had on hair-wash days. What started as a $200 investment has now spread across 16 countries and generated $2 million in lifetime equity. “I lived the problem, developed the solutions, and proved their demand. Now, we are planting seeds into some good soil so that we can grow,” Voltz said during her pitch.

Another Dallas-based brand, SickFit, took home the third-place prize of $75,000. United States military veteran Paden Sickles created the durable, supportive socks after spending 11 years on her feet as an engineer officer in the U.S. Army. Launched in 2021, the compression sock brand is designed for people who live on their feet including athletes, first responders, and soldiers. SickFit has sold over 200,000 pairs of socks, and is worn by Olympians, WNBA players, and more.

Sickles plans on using the funding to advance product development, specifically creating a sensory sock for kids with autism. “We’re not just solving. We’re not just bridging a gap. We’re solving a human problem on how people work, compete, and live,” Sickles said.

The other competing finalists included Lamana Ballard, CEO and founder of hormonal healthcare brand FloEver Health, Joseph Hamilton, founder of training football company 4 Second Football, M.T. Strickland, CEO and co-founder of AI-workout platform Metric Mate, and Orleatha Smith, co-founder of coffee substitute drink brand Sip Herbals.

Prior to the pitch competition, the three-day event included workshops, panels, and keynote presentations that featured Oprah Winfrey, T.D. Jakes, and Pinky Cole. The Good Soil Movement is looking to expand its reach beyond Dallas, bringing the forum to more U.S. cities.

DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The T.D. Jakes Foundation (TDJF), with funding from Wells Fargo, proudly announces more than $9 million in grants to 13 organizations across the United States. This funding marks the next phase of a transformative 10-year, up to $1 billion collaboration aimed at empowering communities and driving lasting change.

Building on an initial $9 million philanthropic investment announced in 2024, which funded 16 organizations, this new cycle reaffirms TDJF’s commitment to economic empowerment through innovative solutions. These initial grants created measurable impact by supporting financial literacy programs, affordable housing projects, and career development opportunities, among other initiatives. This second round of funding seeks to strengthen and expand that legacy.

“We are deeply committed to supporting organizations that are making tangible differences in communities,” said Kelley Cornish, President and CEO, T.D. Jakes Foundation. “Through this partnership with Wells Fargo, we are investing in innovative solutions that align with our mission to promote financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being. This milestone is a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared vision for a brighter future.”

“We believe philanthropy can be a catalyst for positive change,” said Darlene Goins, head of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo. “With these grants, we are excited to work with the T.D. Jakes Foundation to expand the impactful work and capacity of local and national organizations that focus on economic empowerment and community transformation.”

This second $9 million in funding is more than a continuation—it’s a bold statement of the T.D. Jakes Foundation’s belief that access to opportunity can change the trajectory of communities for generations to come.

Organizations that are receiving grants:

• Wiley University – $1,500,000
• Develop property near campus for homeownership, entrepreneurship, and integrated learning experiences.
• Paul Quinn College – $1,500,000
• Address housing, transportation, and food insecurity for students.
• Morehouse College – $1,500,000
• Transform mental health services on campus.
• 2025 International Leadership Summit – $1,500,000
• Hosted by the T.D. Jakes Group, empower leaders worldwide by offering workshops, keynotes, and panel discussions focused on leadership, innovation, and social impact.
• Lightship Foundation – $500,000
• Enable entrepreneurs to raise venture capital and scale their businesses.
• Power52 Foundation – $500,000
• Engage 200 community members in educational workshops on energy and disaster preparedness.
• Kingdom Cares Center – $500,000
• Nurture small businesses with mentorship and programs in business planning, financial management, marketing, legal compliance, and more.
• Bonton Farms/Grocery Connect – $500,000
• Improve health outcomes and empower the community by teaching essential online skills and expanding access to broader resources.
• United MegaCare – $500,000
• As part of T.D. Jakes Group, it will host events supporting food security in local communities.
• Joint Center – $500,000
• Develop a long-term plan for economic mobility that can be executed at the community level.
• Operation Hope – $450,000
• Combine policy analysis with community engagement to elevate the national conversation on economic empowerment and drive policy solutions.
• Milken Institute – $250,000
• Offer an intensive educational course, industry conferences, as well as competitive internships and professional development.
• Green Teen Summit – $100,000
• Prepare a new generation of leaders by equipping them with essential workforce readiness skills in a growing economy.

About T.D. Jakes Foundation

The T.D. Jakes Foundation, founded in 2020, is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being in communities. Through innovative programs, the Foundation creates pathways to economic mobility, including affordable housing, financial education, and workforce training. Our collaborative efforts enhance community well-being by promoting access to health services, supportive environments, and comprehensive support systems. Guided by our founder’s vision, we connect underserved populations with career opportunities and help corporations build diverse, skilled talent pools. For additional information visit: https://tdjfoundation.org/.

Morris Brown College received a huge surprise from Pastor T.D. Jakes, during its 2025 commencement ceremony after he announced a donation of $100,000, Atlanta News First reported.

The Potter’s House leader made the pledge towards the end of his moving speech geared toward resilience, legacy, and leadership, securing payment for more than 150 workforce certification exams that will help students with credentials in high-demand fields. “The surprise announcement underscores a key theme from his commencement address: That legacy is not what we inherit but what we invest forward,” a Potter’s House representative said in a statement.

The HBCU’s commencement ceremony, held on May 17, took place at Atlanta’s Saint Philip A.M.E. Church, where 58 students crossed the stage from college students to students of the real world. According to 11 Alive, the donation was made through the T.D. Jakes Foundation as Jakes drew a correlation between the graduation and Morris Brown’s legendary comeback. “This gift is not about what we’ve inherited, but what we invest forward,” Jakes said, who walked away with an honorary degree.

With funding from Wells Fargo, the Dallas-based T.D. Jakes Foundation announced more than $9 million in grants to 13 organizations across the U.S., marking the next phase of a transformative 10-year, up to $1 billion collaboration aimed at empowering communities and driving lasting change.

The foundation said that building on an initial $9 million philanthropic investment announced last year, which funded 16 organizations, this new cycle reaffirms its commitment to economic empowerment through innovative solutions.

“We’re deeply committed to supporting organizations that are making tangible differences in communities,” Kelley Cornish, president and CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation, said in a statement. “Through this partnership with Wells Fargo, we’re investing in innovative solutions that align with our mission to promote financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being. This milestone is a testament to the power of collaboration and our shared vision for a brighter future.”

The foundation said that these initial grants created measurable impact by supporting financial literacy programs, affordable housing projects, and career development opportunities, among other initiatives. It said the second round of funding seeks to strengthen and expand that legacy.

“We believe philanthropy can be a catalyst for positive change,” said Darlene Goins, head of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo. “With these grants, we’re excited to work with the T.D. Jakes Foundation to expand the impactful work and capacity of local and national organizations that focus on economic empowerment and community transformation.”

The foundation said this second $9 million in funding is a bold statement of the T.D. Jakes Foundation’s belief that access to opportunity can change the trajectory of communities for generations to come.

Grants awarded
Per the foundation, here are the organizations receiving grants:

Wiley University – $1,500,000
Develop property near campus for homeownership, entrepreneurship, and integrated learning experiences.

Paul Quinn College – $1,500,000
Address housing, transportation, and food insecurity for students.

Morehouse College – $1,500,000
Transform mental health services on campus.

2025 International Leadership Summit – $1,500,000
Hosted by the T.D. Jakes Group, empower leaders worldwide by offering workshops, keynotes, and panel discussions focused on leadership, innovation, and social impact.

Lightship Foundation – $500,000
Enable entrepreneurs to raise venture capital and scale their businesses.

Power52 Foundation – $500,000
Engage 200 community members in educational workshops on energy and disaster preparedness.

Kingdom Cares Center – $500,000
Nurture small businesses with mentorship and programs in business planning, financial management, marketing, legal compliance, and more.

Bonton Farms/Grocery Connect – $500,000
Improve health outcomes and empower the community by teaching essential online skills and expanding access to broader resources.

United MegaCare – $500,000
As part of T.D. Jakes Group, it will host events supporting food security in local communities.

Joint Center – $500,000
Develop a long-term plan for economic mobility that can be executed at the community level.

Operation Hope – $450,000
Combine policy analysis with community engagement to elevate the national conversation on economic empowerment and drive policy solutions.

Milken Institute – $250,000
Offer an intensive educational course, industry conferences, as well as competitive internships and professional development.

Green Teen Summit – $100,000
Prepare a new generation of leaders by equipping them with essential workforce readiness skills in a growing economy.

Founded in 2020, The T.D. Jakes Foundation is dedicated to advancing financial inclusion, educational access and workforce readiness, and community transformation and well-being in communities.

“You are a good seed. Even if you’re broke.”

That’s the unapologetic affirmation Bishop T.D. Jakes is delivering to the Black community, entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs, through the Good Soil Forum—a three-day gathering happening June 12–14 in Dallas, Texas, that’s part pitch competition, part networking hub, and part masterclass in building Black wealth.

In an exclusive interview with theGrio’s Natasha S. Alford, Jakes made one thing clear: this isn’t just another conference—it’s a movement with real money waiting to be poured into people’s dreams. “Good Soil Forum gives you access to capital,” Jakes said. “It connects you with the resources, the grant monies– the information that you need is almost as powerful as the capital that you gain.”

Backed by the T.D. Jakes Group and Wells Fargo Bank, this year’s Forum will feature a live pitch competition offering up to $500,000 in funding, small business grants starting at $5,000, and access to a newly launched app, Good Soils XP, to connect participants beyond the event. But as Jakes explained, the Forum’s true value lies in changing the trajectory of our communities.

“We have built a coalition of corporations that are willing and interested in pouring into those that are having a hard time struggling with their businesses,” Jakes said. “The cross-pollination of all of those feats—right down to training children to be entrepreneurs—may change the trajectory of the community and be our fastest way forward.”

The Forum couldn’t come at a more urgent time. As the U.S. continues to reckon with layoffs, inflation, and corporate backpedaling from DEI commitments, Jakes is sounding the alarm—particularly for Black women. “We have over 300,000 Black women who have lost their jobs in the last three months,” he told theGrio. “That’s horrifying. That’s three stadiums full of people. Three more stadiums of family members who don’t have food to eat, who are having struggles, who have to push to get ahead.”

Where some see despair, Jakes sees opportunity. “Ninety-two percent of African American businesses are women, are accelerating but they’re not staying in business because they don’t have access to capital,” he said. “Good Soil Forum gives you access. It connects you with the resources. The grant money. The information. And sometimes that’s just as powerful as the money itself.”

Jakes also spoke directly to the grind many know too well—working multiple jobs, trying to turn side hustles into something sustainable. “Your hobby could be a business. Your cake designs could be a business,” he said, shouting out platforms like Cast Iron and Nourish, which help turn passions into income. “To get the extra money, you may have to do extra work initially to get yourself to a place where you can invest in yourself. It’s hard in the short run, I will not lie.”

Investment, Jakes said, is a critical mindset shift. “It doesn’t have to be big money. It has to be smart money,” he explained, noting that investments can lead to freedom in all areas of life. “You make better choices when you’re self-sufficient. You date better when you are self-sufficient. You marry more wisely when you self-efficient. Your children have a better chance at education when you yourself sufficient. So if you’re not doing it for you, you ought to do it for your children.”

Beyond the dollars and cents, Good Soil is rooted in legacy—a concept Jakes embodies both as a father and spiritual leader. “I told my daughter, my landing space is your launching space,” he said, referencing his recent transition of church leadership to his daughter, Pastor Sarah Jakes Roberts. “We are descendants of Nigeria. Igbo people. Known for business acumen. It’s genetic. It’s a propensity to take something that looked like nothing and turn it into something and make a business out of it.”

That’s why the Forum’s speaker lineup is filled with visionaries who’ve built empires from the ground up: Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Lorenzo, John Hope Bryant. “I picked them because they started with nothing,” Jakes said. “Oprah was making mud pies in Mississippi. John Hope was raised in the hood, okay?”

Jakes says his work with the Good Soil Forum is part of his larger legacy. Even after stepping down from the pulpit, he’s got new initiatives in the works, launching a podcast, My Next Chapter, through iHeartRadio this fall. “I gonna get to talk about things that weren’t pulpit conversations,” he said. “We didn’t all have fathers, we didn’t all have advisors, we did not have mentors, and through my podcast, I want to make a difference in the lives of the people that hear it.”

For those who feel burned out or are tempted to check out given the state of the world, Jakes puts his spiritual hat back on and offers this encouragement: “Everybody has a different breaking point. I think when your body tells you you’ve had enough, you need to listen to it. That doesn’t mean that you quit. There’s something between stop and go and it’s called pause. Pause, regroup yourself, redefine yourself, reinvent yourself, recreate yourself, but get back in the game again.”

The following Black entrepreneurs have been named finalists in the Good Soil Pitch competition and prizes will be given out next week in Dallas:

• Kia-Shun Voltz, Shampoo Time of Red Oak, Texas
• M-T Strickland, Metric Mate of Atlanta, Georgia
• Paden Sickles, SickFit, Arlington, Texas
• Lamanda Ballard, FloEver Health, Austin, Texas
• Orleatha Smith, Sip Herbals, Gresham, Oregon
• Joseph Hamilton, 4 Second Football, Fairburn, Georgia
• Rozalynn Goodwin, Confidence by GaBBy Goodwin, Columbia, South Carolina

To learn more about the Good Soil Forum, visit https://www.goodsoilforum.com/.

The Good Soil Forum, presented by Wells Fargo, has announced the return of its Seed Capital Pitch Competition—also presented by Wells Fargo—June 12-14 during the Good Soil Forum at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District.

“We aim not only to inspire business owners but also to invest in them,” Chairman T.D. Jakes, founder of the Good Soil Forum, said in a statement. “This competition goes beyond just financial support; it is about providing underestimated entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and trust they need to succeed.”

The live pitch competition will provide entrepreneurs the opportunity to win a share of $500,000 in non-dilutive funding—along with expert mentorship, increased visibility, and access to a powerful network of industry leaders and peers.

Powered by the Hello Alice financial technology platform, the competition is part of the Good Soil Forum’s larger $500,000 investment initiative into small businesses that are ready to grow.

Good Soil Forum said all finalists also will be invited to join the Good Soil Accelerator, a yearlong program that provides intensive mentorship, resources, and support to help scale their businesses and improve fundability.

To further level the playing field, the first 1,000 applicants will receive free access to LivePlan, a top-rated business planning tool designed to help entrepreneurs build or enhance their business plans.

Applications are open and will remain available until 5 p.m. Central Time May 23.

To be eligible, applicants must be a for-profit business, willing to participate in the live pitch competition at the Good Soil Forum in Dallas on June 14, create a free account on the Good Soil HQ app, and complete a series of interactive activities, “Ask Me Anything’s,” and assignments during the application period.

Sponsors and ‘Transformation Agenda’
“At Hello Alice, we believe that access to capital is the greatest barrier facing small business owners today,” Elizabeth Gore, co-founder and president of Hello Alice, said in a statement. “That’s why we’re proud to partner with Good Soil to invite businesses to apply for the 2025 Seed Capital Pitch Competition presented by Wells Fargo—a $500,000 investment initiative for small businesses ready to grow.”

She also noted Hello Alice’s excitement about coming to Dallas for the Good Soil Forum, adding, “This collaboration represents our shared commitment to creating pathways for entrepreneurs to secure the funding and resources they need to build sustainable businesses that strengthen our communities.”

In just two years, the Good Soil Movement has grown to become one of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial ecosystems in the country, connecting over 26,000 members and investing nearly $1 million into small businesses.

Organizers said that this year’s forum theme, “Transformation Agenda,” is reflected in the pitch competition, offering prize money, mentorship, and new opportunities to accelerate growth and transform a business’s future.

The competition reinforces the Good Soil Forum mission to drive real economic outcomes in undercapitalized communities.

“We are proud to support initiatives like the Good Soil Forum, which align with our commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve. Wells Fargo focuses on expanding access to capital and other financial resources, and empowering small business owners and entrepreneurs to grow and thrive,” Kristy Fercho, head of Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion at Wells Fargo, said in a statement. “Together, we are creating lasting change by investing in ideas and individuals who have the power to uplift their communities.”

Awards and forum highlights
The pitch process includes structured checkpoints that are designed to support founders every step of the way—from initial application through the final pitch, the forum said.

The competition will culminate at the Good Soil Forum, where selected finalists will present their business cases in front of a panel of investors, corporate leaders, and community changemakers.

Here are the awards:

First Place: $200,000, plus mandatory mentorship from a Wells Fargo business advisor.

Second Place: $100,000, plus mandatory mentorship from a Wells Fargo business advisor.

Third Place: $75,000, plus mandatory mentorship from a Wells Fargo business advisor.

Additional Awards: Select businesses will also receive grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, along with mentorship opportunities.

Guest speakers at the forum include Businessman T.D Jakes; Oprah Winfrey; founder, chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE John Hope Bryant; fashion designer and founder of Fear of God Jerry Lorenzo; financial educator Wallstreet Trapper; CEO and founder of Camille Rose Janell Stephens; entrepreneur and TV host Mahisha Dellinger, and more.

Good Soil Movement empowers entrepreneurs by networking, resources, and solutions for growing and scaling businesses. It has a mission to help 1 million entrepreneurs generate $1 million in revenue over the next 10 years.

Since its inception, the movement has grown to a network of more than 26,000 members, equipping small business owners with tangible tools for success.