(Special to The Dallas Examiner) – T.D. Jakes Enterprises, under the guidance of Chairman T.D. Jakes, is spearheading the Good Soil Movement, a social initiative aimed at fostering positive change. As part of its mission, the company will host its annual Good Soil Forum June 13-15 at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, from 2403 Flora St. – coinciding with Juneteenth and Black Music Month. This event serves as a platform to showcase the vibrant entrepreneurial, business and cultural landscape of not only Dallas but the nation as a whole.

Good Soil will feature the return of the annual Seed Capital Competition, in partnership with Wells Fargo, an opportunity designed to guide entrepreneurs through the crucial stages of business planning and pitching. To further empower minority entrepreneurs by enhancing their skills in crafting investable business plans and pitches, the competition boasts a grand total of $500,000 in grants – increasing from last year’s $250,000, ranking it as the third-highest seed competition of its kind in the United States.

By attracting thousands of attendees, the forum is expected to inject millions of dollars into the local economy. Dallas consistently earns high marks in national economic studies, particularly for its support of small business growth, employment and hourly earnings.

The Good Soil Movement is dedicated to creating more than 1 million under-resourced entrepreneurs in the next 10 years by providing networking and solutions for growing and scaling businesses. The inaugural event held in Orlando last year brought more than 2,500 entrepreneurs together and organically had about 5,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs during that time join the Good Soil network.

“Our mission within the Good Soil Movement is to increase generational wealth and empowerment by nurturing the entrepreneurs that are often under-resourced,” said Michael Phillips, chief operating officer of T.D. Jakes Enterprises. “The Good Soil Forum breaks the cycle of under-resourced entrepreneurs leaving events inspired but unequipped. Thriving despite limited resources, entrepreneurs inspire us. This June we’ll celebrate past and present leaders who built a path for future generations. It’s the first step in a multi-year plan to cultivate a thriving cultural hub for music, entrepreneurship and innovation in Texas – a space where inspiration meets practical tools to empower business growth and lasting success.”

Themed “The Rhythm of Entrepreneurship,” this year’s event will feature keynote sessions led by visionary leaders and industry pioneers. They’ll share insights to inspire and empower attendees, helping them navigate the entrepreneurial world with confidence and creativity. Additionally, panelists will engage in fireside chats and breakout sessions include:

• T.D. Jakes, NAACP Image award-winning philanthropist and CEO of T.D. Jakes Enterprises
• Tabitha Brown, Emmy award-winning actress and New York Times bestselling author and entrepreneur
• Arian Simone, co-founder and CEO of the Fearless Fund
• Richelieu Dennis, founder and CEO of Sundial Brands
• Charles King, founder and CEO of MACRO
• Pinky Cole, founder and owner of Slutty Vegan

Also, Good Soil Forum will feature educational fireside chats, breakout sessions and hands-on workshops in which business leaders can learn and participate in key conversations on a variety of topics – from business planning and marketing strategies to financial management and leadership development, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge to elevate their business. The forum will also feature a vibrant marketplace with a diverse array of vendors, from tech startups to artisanal craftspeople, a unique opportunity to network, discover new products and services, and gain inspiration for attendees’ entrepreneurial ventures.

“Stand Together Foundation is proud to partner with T.D. Jakes Enterprises to help more people realize their American Dream through entrepreneurship,” said Evan Feinberg, senior vice president of Stand Together and chairman of Stand Together Foundation. “If successful, this effort will not only help many people realize their full potential but will demonstrate what’s possible in this country when we change our mindset away from what people lack and toward what they can accomplish.”

T.D. Jakes Enterprises and the Stand Together community are also partnering on a national initiative to inspire new and growing entrepreneurs in under-resourced communities. The effort is centered around a peer-to-peer platform of entrepreneurs and connecting those on the platform to the coaching, technical support, services and networks they need to grow their companies.

For more information on the 2024 Good Soil Forum, speakers and registration, visit https://www.prekindle.com/event/23773-good-soil-2024-dallas.