Accelerator Programs & Mentorship
Grow Together, Scale Faster
Be a part of our Cohorts at The DEC Network
Cohorts at The DEC Network are structured, multi-week programs that guide a selected group of founders through a rigorous business curriculum covering financial management, marketing, and scaling strategies. Participants gain hands-on mentorship, peer accountability, and pitch training, providing the strategic roadmap and confidence needed to sustainably grow their businesses.
ARE YOU A NORTH TEXAS ENTREPRENEUR WITH A POWERFUL IDEA?
THE SMU COX ADVANTAGE
EDUCATION
Learn from top-ranked SMU entrepreneurship faculty
CAPITAL READINESS
Bridge the gap between education and funding to prove you are capital-ready
SMU COX PARTNERSHIP
Tap into SMU Cox’s world class resources and innovation
system
North Texas entrepreneurs who want to explore starting a business or grow an existing business.
Begins January 2027
APPLICATION DEADLINE: NOVEMBER 1ST
* NO APPLICATION FEE
Apply for a scholarship worth more than $7,500 to cover all program fees!
The Your Level Up Program is designed for entrepreneurs in the growth stage of business.
Program details:
Location: Hybrid at The DEC Network at Redbird
Date: September 1st – November 10th
Time: Tuesdays from 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Requirements:
- For-profit
- 2–3 years in business
- Generating $50k or more annually
The Thrive Accelerator Program is designed for entrepreneurs who are ready to scale with intention – not just grow faster.
Benefits:
- 1-1 mentorship with experienced business professionals
- Strengthen your operations
- Expand Your Network
- Get access to capital opportunities
- And more!
Program Details:
Date and Time:
- August 25th – November 10th
- Tuesdays at 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Scale Smarter. Build Stronger.
Position Your Business for What’s Next.
Applications close August 17th!
Location:
- The DEC Network at Fort Worth
- 600 Bryan Ave, Suite 220, Fort Worth, TX 76104
The Big iDEA accelerator program is for founders in the ideation pre revenue phase of business. This bootcamp style program is four sessions dedicated to guiding the founder as they prepare to pitch their idea.
Program details:
Length of Program: 4 weeks
Location: 3560 W. Camp Wisdom Rd, STE 200, Dallas, TX 75237
Benefits:
- Mentorship from a successful business owner or high-level executive through The DEC Network
- Access to exclusive membership events and workshops
- Opportunity to pitch for cash prizes
- And more!
The 2027 cohort application will be open in May 2027!
The program concludes with the Big iDEA Pitch Competition. The top eight entrepreneurs present their business concept to a live audience and a panel of judges, competing for cash awards to help accelerate their venture’s growth.
Your next breakthrough starts here!
Mentorship Opportunities Your Business, Backed by Experience
At The DEC Network, our Mentorship Program connects entrepreneurs directly with seasoned business leaders and industry experts who volunteer their time to help you navigate the hurdles of scaling a business. Through structured accelerator programs and one-on-one advisory connections, mentees receive tactical guidance, strategic feedback, and crucial insights to help avoid costly mistakes and fast-track their growth. Whether you are validating an early-stage idea or preparing to secure capital, our mentoring network provides the trusted human capital needed to turn obstacles into major business milestones.
