United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has made a $205,000 investment in the Dallas Innovation Alliance. The social innovation grant will help DIA, which aims to help Dallas become a smart city, fund its 2016 operations, project management, community engagement, outreach initiatives, and research. The funds come when the DIA is working to finalize its priorities and begin implementation of its first projects in the West End, which will serve as the DIA’s living lab, in the upcoming months. The DIA is led by Jennifer Sanders. Read more about her plans here. United Way also runs the GroundFloor social innovation fund and accelerator program.
Texas Instruments has appointed PwC leader Jean Hobby to its board of directors. She will take her post July 20. Hobby has spent 32 years at PwC, most recently serving as strategy officer from 2013 until she retired in 2015. She previously served as U.S. sector lead for PwC’s multibillion dollar technology, media, and telecom practice from 2008 and 2013, and chief financial officer from 2005 to 2008. She also serves on the board of Greatbatch Inc.
The Fort Worth Business Assistance Center is gearing up for its 6th annual Business Plan Competition. The competition, a partnership with sponsor Capital One Bank, will award more than $50,000 in cash and in-kind services to the competitor that develops a strong business plan or enhances an existing one. The competition will select 25 businesses, which will have access to one-on-one counseling, professional development workshops, and coaching from industry experts at the BAC and its partners. Ten finalists will be selected to pitch in front of judges in October, with the top three competing for prize packages. First place will win a cash prize of $6,000, second will get $4,00, and third will receive $2,000. Applications are due by July 1.
