BIG iDEA Dallas’ Demo Day Showcase Will Help Fund Burgeoning Black Entrepreneurs’ Business Concepts
BIG iDEA Dallas, a seven-week intensive program designed to help propel Black founders from an idea to a successful, market-validated business concept in an effort to spur underrepresented business funding and growth, will have a Demo Day from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28 at The DEC@Redbird. The event is open to members of the public, who are encouraged to come out and support these burgeoning entrepreneurs.
The event, hosted by The DEC@Redbird, which administers the program sponsored by Charles Schwab and North Dallas Bank & Trust Co., will feature 11 budding entrepreneurs competing in a business expo and showcase with an audience of Dallas-based investors. The first-place winner will have the honor of being the BIG iDEA Dallas champion and will receive up to $3,500 in funding for their business.
In the program, which began Sept. 16, participants have taken a deep dive into the innovation process through market research and competitive analysis, while receiving counsel from well-established business leaders who helped these emerging entrepreneurs develop a thoroughly validated business concept. Demo Day will connect these founders to local investors who can help them launch and grow their businesses.
“We know that less than 5% of startup funding is invested in underrepresented groups, and less than 3% of those funded are women-owned startups,” said Demetra Brown, senior director of The DEC Network. “Programs like BIG iDEA Dallas that are focused on helping Black entrepreneurs and other underrepresented groups grow have a big impact on our entrepreneurial ecosystem, which is the backbone of business in Dallas-Fort Worth.”
Demo Day participants include:
- Alexandria Caesar’s RGXO Music Group is an innovative organization helping artists cultivate their talents while making money.
- Chelsy Gray’s Adaya Beauty uses AI to analyze customers’ hair and skin conditions, then has beauty experts recommend safe, effective products.
- De’Andra Roberts turns families’ life stories into books and videos by providing access to experienced interviewers and an intuitive questionnaire with her business, A Life to Share.
- Estelle Monroe and Valerie Biggs want to connect students and young adults with professional organizations to help them start their career journeys via their Nethubb marketplace.
- Jaylon Smith is creating a peer-to-peer social platform designed to help locals find and connect with each other based on professions, skills and common interests.
- Kayla Briggs uses oils derived from fruits and spices to create natural feminine care products.
- Teah Brooks wants people to be able to find their true passions through video gaming.
- Miles Robinson provides a completely clean and efficient mobile grooming service to the busy, working man in DFW, educating men on health via convenient self-care.
Following the program, participants will have access to mentorship, the DEC@Redbird membership and exclusive networking hours.
For more information, go to thedec.co.
What: BIG iDEA Dallas: Demo Day
When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28
Where: The DEC@Redbird, 3662 W. Camp Wisdom Road, #2044, Dallas, TX 75237
Cost: Free
Register: https://thedec.brushfire.com/demo-day/518213
Information: info@redbirddec.com
About the DEC Network
The DEC Network is a 501c3 non-profit organization driving innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build, and grow their businesses. Since 2013, it has launched a number of innovation hubs across DFW that provide entrepreneurs with education, mentorship, community, and advocacy.