Innovation takes center stage Wednesday evening as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas hosts The Pitch 2026, a high-energy competition spotlighting five North Texas social entrepreneurs working to solve some of the region’s most pressing challenges. The event, held at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory on Wednesday, April 29, marks the culmination of United Way’s Social Innovation Accelerator. Over the last year, a number of social entrepreneurs went through an accelerated boot camp and structured mentorship in the program. From there, five finalists were selected. Those finalists will compete for a share of $270,000 in funding, pitching their ideas live to a panel of judges and a voting audience. “At United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, we believe that bold ideas – when paired with the right support – can create lasting, measurable change,” said Jennifer Sampson, McDermott Templeton President and CEO of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “The Pitch shines a spotlight on visionary leaders who are reimagining solutions to our community’s greatest challenges. Their work is strengthening access to education, improving financial stability, and advancing health outcomes across North Texas.” Presented by Goldman Sachs and powered by PNC, The Pitch highlights entrepreneurs working across United Way’s three focus areas: education, income, and health. Organizers say the competition provides early-stage nonprofit leaders with the resources, mentorship, and exposure needed to scale their impact. “We call it this year the World Cup of Social Innovation,” said Susan Hoff, Chief Strategy Impact Officer for the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “They’re all winners. And the big winners, though, in my opinion, is our community because we are putting forth some amazing entrepreneurs who are going to change the world.” This year’s finalists include: • Dr. Antoria Gillon: Founder of From Ordinary to Extraordinary, supporting domestic violence survivors through skilled trades training • Christopher Hill: Board member of Restorative Farms, expanding urban agriculture and workforce pathways in South Dallas • Dejanae Parkman: Founder and CEO of Dotted, using period care as a gateway to improved health through technology and education • Elizabeth Furrh: founder and executive director of Cooking for the Crowd, providing affordable meals for nonprofit organizations • Delmetria Milener: Founding director of #TeenWritersProject, empowering young writers through education, publishing, and paid opportunities A panel of leaders from business, finance, and philanthropy will evaluate each pitch based on innovation, equity, sustainability, and potential impact. Judges include executives from Goldman Sachs, PNC, LTK, Cornbread Hustle, and brand strategy leader Mahiri Taiki. Audience members will also play a role, casting votes for the Audience Choice Award. The top prize of Social Innovator of the Year will get $60,000, while the other four finalists will receive tiers of reward funding based on their pitch. Hoff said The Pitch focuses on giving growing and developing nonprofits and community groups the push they need to expand their reach and impact in the community. “A lot of entrepreneurs have fantastic ideas, but many of them do not have the resources to either invest in the work or the time or a mentor or guided structured leadership to help them build that business,” she said. “And so an idea is fabulous. It’s what you do with the idea and how you drive that forward that makes a difference. And that’s really what United Way brings to the table through the Social Innovation Accelerator.” Since launching the Social Innovation Accelerator in 2013, United Way of Metropolitan Dallas has supported dozens of entrepreneurs working to build scalable, community driven solutions. Officials say tickets sold for the event directly support United Way’s broader mission. Tickets for The Pitch 2026 are still available, with proceeds going back to the United Way’s missions. Applications for the next Social Innovation Accelerator cohort open the day after the event. To apply, click here for details. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less