Good Grief Wins 2025 Austin FC Dream Starter Award

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A local social venture is receiving a major boost thanks to the 2025 Austin FC Dream Starter Competition. This year’s winner, Good Grief, has been awarded a $100,000 grant to expand its mission of supporting people navigating grief, caregiving, and end-of-life experiences.

Founded by Sam Heyman, Good Grief offers tools, community, and compassionate resources for individuals and families facing the often isolating journey of loss. The platform provides structured programs that help users share stories, express emotions, and build resilience during some of life’s most difficult moments.

The Dream Starter Competition is a joint initiative of Austin FC and Q2 Holdings, Inc., now in its fourth year. It recognizes early-stage entrepreneurs in Central Texas who are tackling real-world social challenges. Each year, one innovative project is selected to receive funding, mentorship, and media exposure through the Austin FC platform.

Heyman was one of five finalists chosen from a pool of applicants focused on creating lasting social impact. The finalists pitched their ideas in front of a panel of judges, with Good Grief ultimately selected for its clear purpose, thoughtful design, and potential to scale. The platform is already being used by individuals and organizations seeking to better support caregivers and those experiencing loss.

In a statement, Heyman described the win as “transformative,” explaining that the funding will help the organization grow its technology and reach more people in need. He emphasized the importance of helping people talk about hard things—something that too often goes unaddressed in both personal and professional settings.

Austin FC and Q2 launched the Dream Starter Competition to foster entrepreneurship that creates social value across Central Texas. Past winners have tackled issues like financial literacy, housing insecurity, and food access. With Good Grief, the focus shifts to emotional well-being and mental health, areas that are increasingly recognized as vital to community strength.

For those living anywhere in the Austin area, this year’s award is a reminder that innovation and empathy can go hand in hand. Supporting entrepreneurs who lead with heart and purpose helps build a region where meaningful change is not just possible—it’s already underway.

Read more in the press release.

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