Bet on Yourself. Build Your Future. We'll Invest In You. Introducing the Community Entrepreneurship Collaborative Program
The Community Entrepreneurship Collaborative (CEC) is a unified pathway from ideation to capital. We equip aspiring entrepreneurs across Dallas and Fort Worth with the skills, documentation, mentorship, and lender connections needed to launch, sustain, and scale businesses that build wealth and opportunity for our community.
TIMELINE: Begins January 2027
APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 1st
LOCATION: The DEC Network at Redbird
Developed in collaboration with the SMU Cox School of Business and delivered by experienced entrepreneurs, mentors, and business leaders.
Only 60 Entrepreneurs Selected!
Learn More Here2013
Company
Established
4365+
Entrepreneurs
Served 2024
73%
Underrepresented Business Owners in Southern Dallas
1254
Jobs Created or
Sustained 2024
What We Offer
Co-working space, events, accelerator bootcamps, community memberships, mentoring program, networking opportunities & other resources.
Our Impact
Explore The DEC Network’s Impact Report to see how we’re empowering entrepreneurs and driving innovation in our community. View the report now to discover our milestones, success stories, and the impact we’ve made together!
Where We Work
From The DEC Network @ RedBird in Oak Cliff to The DEC Network @ Fort Worth, we exist to connect entrepreneurs across North Texas with the spaces, resources, and relationships that help turn ideas into thriving businesses.
A Decade of Entrepreneurship
Mentorship
The DEC Network
Testimonial
At #DSW22
Resources
The DEC Network
Freelance
Startup
Investor
Small Business
Agency
SEPTEMBER 2026 IN THE NEWS
Dallas Innovates |“The DEC Network Partners With Charles Schwab Bank to Expand Services for Entrepreneurs in Fort Worth”
Fort Worth Inc. | “Charles Schwab, DEC Network Launch Create Fort Worth for Entrepreneur”
Texas Metro News | “Entrepreneurs get support from Charles Schwab Bank and The DEC Network in Fort Worth”
Networking Executives | “Five Networking Organizations for Entrepreneurs in DFW”
Grit Daily | “Charles Schwab Bank and The DEC Network Announce Fort Worth Entrepreneur Center“
The Fly | “Charles Schwab, The DEC announce next phase of collaboration”
KRLD | Tyler Woulfe, CEO, Charles Schwab Bank (NYSE: SCHW): “Schwab Banks on Fort Worth Entrepreneurs”
