In partnership with Wells Fargo and Hello Alice, the Seed Capital Pitch Competition, presented by Wells Fargo, will equip entrepreneurs with access to capital, mentorship, national exposure, a supportive community, and the opportunity to pitch live for funding in front of investors and a national audience.
DALLAS–(BUSINESS WIRE)–#GoodSoilForum–The Good Soil Forum, presented by Wells Fargo, is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated Seed Capital Pitch Competition—also presented by Wells Fargo. This defining event provides 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. The live pitch competition and winner announcements will take place during the Good Soil Forum, held June 12–14, 2025, in the Dallas Arts District.
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. All finalists will also be invited to join the Good Soil Accelerator, a year-long program that provides intensive mentorship, resources, and support to help scale their businesses and improve fundability. And 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.
“We aim not only to inspire business owners but also to invest in them,” said Chairman T.D. Jakes, founder of the Good Soil Forum. “This competition goes beyond just financial support; it is about providing underestimated entrepreneurs with the tools, training, and trust they need to succeed.”
Applications are now open and will remain available until May 23, 2025, at 6 P.M. ET. 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, TX on June 14, 2025, create a free account on the Good Soil HQ app, and complete a series of interactive activities, “Ask Me Anything’s” (AMAs), and assignments during the application period.
«At Hello Alice, we believe that access to capital is the greatest barrier facing small business owners today,» said Elizabeth Gore, Co-Founder and President of Hello Alice. «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. We’re also excited to head to Dallas in June for the Good Soil Forum. 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. 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 pitch competition has become a hallmark of the Good Soil Forum, reinforcing its 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,» said Kristy Fercho, head of Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion at Wells Fargo. «Together, we are creating lasting change by investing in ideas and individuals who have the power to uplift their communities.»
The pitch process includes structured checkpoints designed to support founders every step of the way—from initial application through the final pitch. Key milestones include early entry deadlines, the announcement of finalists, and pitch preparation workshops led by industry experts. 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.
- 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.
Ready to Plant Your Seeds?
Applications are currently open at: https://app.helloalice.com/grants/seed-capital-pitch-competition
The Good Soil Forum 2025 will take place in Dallas, Texas at the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Thursday, June 12 – Saturday, June 14, 2025 with guest speakers: 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 many more.
The 2025 Good Soil Forum and Seed Capital Pitch Competition, both presented by Wells Fargo, are made possible thanks to the generous support of our partners, including Stand Together Foundation, and impact partners Hello Alice, Lemonade Day, the T.D. Jakes Foundation, and Western Governors University. Their shared commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and providing the tools needed to grow and thrive is what makes this year’s competition and programming possible. For updates and registration information for the 2025 Good Soil Forum please visit www.goodsoilforum.com
About The Good Soil Movement:
Good Soil Movement empowers entrepreneurs by networking, 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
Contacts
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