Local Lift

Turning Ideas Into Impact

Local Lift is United Way of Tarrant County’s social innovation program supporting local nonprofits, entrepreneurs and small businesses developing solutions to strengthen Tarrant County.

Eight finalists are now participating in a 12-week program of coaching, collaboration, and pitch preparation. In November, they’ll take the stage during Global Entrepreneurship Week to compete for a share of $75,000 in seed funding.

Become a sponsor

Meet the finalists:

Anthony Hogg, CEO

Misty Hogg, Pedagogical Lead

AH HA Solutions

AH HA Solutions develops solutions designed to address community needs and create opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.

Taylor Diggs, Founder

BPrep Services

BPrep Services provides resources and support designed to help individuals prepare for greater stability, opportunity and success.

Dana Davis, Founder & Executive Director

Family of Five — Poker Empowerment Program

Family of Five’s Poker Empowerment Program uses poker as a tool for engagement, personal development and empowerment.

ShaVonne Davis, Executive Director

Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization

Maroon 9 Community Enrichment Organization works to strengthen the community through programs and opportunities that support residents and promote positive community development.

Cassandra Mackie, President

Lindsay Puente, Executive Director

Ondas Cultural and Movement Arts

Ondas Cultural and Movement Arts provides the community, particularly underserved populations, with opportunities to engage in cultural and movement arts.

Kaity Stone, LCSW, ADS, Owner

Open-Minded Wellness

Open-Minded Wellness provides counseling services designed to support individuals and families as they navigate challenges that affect their well-being.

Natalie Guzman, Founder

Safe Rides with Natalie

Safe Rides with Natalie focuses on providing safe, reliable transportation solutions that help community members access the places and services they need.

Denisse Mejia, Founder & CEO

Texas Breastfeeding Center

Texas Breastfeeding Center supports families through breastfeeding education, resources and services that promote healthy outcomes for parents and babies.

Prize Funding

In November, participants will pitch their ideas during a live event and compete for a total of $75,000 in prize funding.

Prize opportunities include:

First place: $25,000
Second place: $15,000
Third place: $10,000
Two runner-up awards: $7,500 each
Two Audience Choice Awards: $5,000 each

Audience Choice Awards will be selected through live virtual voting during the event.

Program Timeline

June 1: Applications opened
July 10: Applications closed
Aug. 3: Notification of selected participants
Aug. 13: Local Lift cohort kickoff meeting
Aug. 24-Oct. 3: Coaching and pitch prep sessions
Nov. 9-12: Local pitch competition

Sponsor Local Lift

Local Lift depends on community support to help bring innovative ideas to life across Tarrant County.

Sponsors help fund coaching, mentorship and seed investments that allow participants to develop solutions that create lasting impact in our community.

Whether you support the program through sponsorship, mentorship or by helping spread the word, you are directly contributing to a stronger and more resilient Tarrant County.

Become a sponsor

Powered by United Way of Tarrant County

Local Lift is part of UWTC’s commitment to expanding innovation, research and nonprofit capacity building across North Texas. Through the United Way Institute, UWTC connects organizations to data, training, tools and partnerships that help solutions grow and succeed.

Questions? For more information about Local Lift, contact institute@unitedwaytarrant.org.