For Kelley Austin Managing Partners Hunter Austin and Waylon Kelley, the idea to host an entrepreneurship competition for high school students in their local Dallas community was a natural fit.
The two brothers-in-law wanted to find a way to give back that matched the skill set of their growing team of technology consultants at Kelley Austin. As a Dallas-based Salesforce consulting firm, Kelley Austin helps clients implement software that optimizes their processes, improves the quality of their products or services, and ultimately helps them grow their businesses.
Supporting high school students in their dreams of creating their own businesses led them to establish the first ever 2023 SBM Startup Jam in partnership with the Marvin E. Robinson School of Business and Management — a DISD high school that specializes in business education.
Over the course of several weeks, Kelley Austin consultants will provide coaching and mentorship to 50+ students across 11 teams as they build out a business idea from scratch. Consultants will help their team members build out a business plan and define different aspects of their business such as who their customers are, what makes their business idea unique, and how to define success.
On Thursday, May 4, students will pitch their business idea on stage in front of a panel of judges where they'll receive a score and cash prizes to help make their business dreams a reality. Every student who participates in the competition will receive a cash prize to help fund their business idea, with prizes awarded as follows:
The 2023 SBM Startup Jam is an exciting opportunity for Kelley Austin consultants to not only give back, but also use their skills as a force for good for future business owners and entrepreneurs.
"Supporting the growth of the Dallas community is something extremely important to our company,” said Austin. “What better way than to help future entrepreneurs by teaching them invaluable skills that will hopefully lead to job creation right here where we live."
Students, family, DISD faculty, and Kelley Austin employees are welcome to attend the event. You can learn more about how to support the 2023 SBM Startup Jam below.
If you’d like to support the event, 100% of your donation helps fund young, local entrepreneurs, who have big dreams of launching a thriving small business.
Donating is easy and secure. Any amount you can give, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated. Your contribution will help us to achieve our fundraising goal and make a meaningful difference in the lives of these students.
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