GroundFloor (United Way)

The GroundFloor is the region’s first mentor-driven social innovation fund. We invest in companies that place social impact at the heart of their business.

About

We’re looking for social innovation. We’re ready to back social entrepreneurs. Who are we? The GroundFloor impact accelerator fund at United Way of Metropolitan Dallas invests in and supports innovative companies that place social impact at the heart of their business model. We are focused on investing in organizations that tackle the challenges facing North Texas and help us reach the region’s community goals in the areas of education, income, and health.

Drawing on the strength of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and supporters from across the community, the GroundFloor provides a three-prong investment approach:

  • financial capital for seed and early-stage ventures
  • human capital from our world class mentors representing leaders in the areas of entrepreneurship, academics, public policy and the social sector
  • social capital through connecting our portfolio companies with resources from over 1000 corporate partners and over 80 service providers.

What is social innovation and who are social entrepreneurs? Social innovation refers to new strategies, concepts, ideas and ways of working that meet social needs and strengthen our community. From breaking the cycle of poverty and improving college and career readiness, to expanding access to healthcare and promoting healthy lifestyles, social innovations improve our lives and strengthen our society.

By providing financial capital, human capital, and social capital, the GroundFloor accelerates the growth and stability of organizations responding to societal needs that traditional markets have insufficiently addressed. Social entrepreneurs are people with innovative solutions to our community’s most pressing social problems.

Are you ambitious and persistent about tackling major issues and offering new ideas for wide-scale change? Social entrepreneurs don’t wait for government or business; they figure out what isn’t working and how to solve the problem, spread the solution and persuade the entire community to help them change the system.

Services Provided

Business Planning

  • Write a business plan
  • Write a marketing plan

Management Issues

  • Human Resources
  • Insurance Requirements
  • Leadership/Professional Development
  • Recruiting Assistance

Find Funding

  • Bookkeeping/Accounting Software Training
  • Equity Providers
  • Budget, Financial Statement and Cash Flow Training
  • Accelerator (Startup) Program

Legal Services

  • Contract Review
  • Forming a Business
  • Lease Review

Marketing & Sales

  • Advertising
  • Brochure Design
  • Competitive Analysis
  • Social Media Marketing / E-Commerce
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Market Plan Development and Training

Networking & Associations

  • Geographically Based
  • Industry Specific

Site and Business Location

  • Conference/Meeting and Event Space

Training

  • Business Plan Training and Assistance
  • Marketing Plan Development and Training
  • Startup or Pre-Launch Training
  • Business Management and Strategy Training

Nonprofit & Social Enterprise

  • Board Development
  • Funds Development
  • Organizational Audits
  • Strategic Planning
  • Accounting
  • Human Resources
  • Technical Services

Hiring & Managing People

  • Employee Development, Hiring and Policies

Startup / Form a Business

  • Formation & registration
  • Startup business counseling

Mentors

  • Mentoring Programs
  • Peer Training Programs
Contact Information
Susan Hoff
Address
1800 N. Lamar
Dallas, TX 75202