The DEC Network offers several opportunities to learn how to start, build, and grow your business. Read below to find out if your business could benefit from any of these programs and click the buttons to apply!
See a program that seems like a good fit, but applications aren’t open yet?
Check back here or subscribe to our newsletter to be notified when these are officially open for applications!
Your Start Up Cohort 2023
Your Start Up, our spring accelerator, is designed for entrepreneurs looking to scale and build a sustainable pathway to capital.
This is an 8-week accelerator intended for post revenue businesses.
Requirements:
1 to 3 years in business
Generating revenue up to $50,000
Must be established as a for profit legal business entity
Join the Waitlist for 2024! We will let you know when applications open!
BIG iDEA Dallas 2023
BIG iDEA (2024) is an interactive, program (Boot Camp) that amplifies the innovation, determination, and spirit of emerging entrepreneurs. This program navigates founders from an idea to a market-validated business.
Program Duration:
2 days
Requirements:
0 to 1 years in business
Non-revenue generating
For profit business ideas or concepts
Graduates of this program are encouraged to apply for Your Startup Accelerator when they start generating revenue.
Join the Waitlist for 2024! We will let you know when applications open!
Your Level Up Cohort 2023
Your Level Up, our fall accelerator, is designed for entrepreneurs looking to scale and build a sustainable pathway to capital.
This is an 8-week accelerator intended for post revenue businesses.
Requirements:
2 to 5 years in business
Generating revenue $50,000 or more, annually
Established as a for profit legal business entity
Applications are open!
WEDallas Cohort 2023
WE (Women Entrepreneurs) Dallas is a signature program created by Capital One and The DEC Network. This series is designed to equip, inspire and empower women entrepreneurs in North Texas.
Financial Readiness 2023
Financial Readiness is a workshop series focused on strengthening the financial stability and overall health of businesses.
Stay tuned for the next workshop!
Are you interested in free resources to help start, grow, and scale your business?
Community Navigator Dallas is an outreach initiative designed to reduce barriers that all small businesses, including those owned by disadvantaged groups such as veterans, women, and communities of color, often face in accessing critical support for small businesses in the North Texas Ecosystem. We’re equipping your small business with the resources, connections, and opportunities it needs to succeed. The best part? It’s totally free.
Click the button below to receive more information about our Community Navigator Dallas Program!
Getting Involved in The DEC Network’s Mentorship Program
Sponsored by Santander
The DEC Network is passionate about the powerful impact of mentorship for entrepreneurs.
The DEC Network Mentorship Program recognizes that in order to grow businesses, an entrepreneur needs access to qualified and experienced mentors.
Mentors provide advice, counsel and experience that can help entrepreneurs avoid the hurdles that stand in their path, while also being able to catapult their businesses forward. Our mentors are volunteering their time to invest in small businesses because they understand the power of mentorship to make a difference.
Criteria
Do you identify as a leader within the business industry to provide expertise to mentees to develop and grow their businesses?
Are you a dedicated business owner who is focused on developing and growing their business through meeting with DEC Mentor?
This program is best for those who have been in business for more than one year, have a legal entity, or are preparing to become a legal entity.
FAQs
IS THERE A FEE TO JOIN?
Not at all! Our program is completely free.
DO I HAVE TO BE A MEMBER TO JOIN THE PROGRAM?
Membership is not required.
HOW LONG IS THE PROGRAM?
We have 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year program duration options
HOW DOES MATCHING WORK?
Based on your application, we will match you with a mentor/mentee based on your business needs & industry.
Sponsored by
Broadening Urban Investment to Leverage Dallas
The B.U.I.L.D Collaborative is a coalition of Dallas small Business ecosystem partners convening to promote equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial growth.
History – The B.U.I.L.D. Collaborative
In 2019, JP Morgan Chase, Better Together Fund, and the W.W. Caruth Jr. Fund at the Communities Foundation of Texas supported a comprehensive assessment f the small business landscape in Dallas.
Next Street, a mission-driven advisory firm, convened 40 plus local economic development stakeholders, capital providers, and business support organizations (BSOs) to understand the needs and opportunities facing Black- and Latinx- owned businesses owned by women and businesses owned by residents of South Dallas.
The B.U.I.L.D. Collaborative launched in 2020 to help address the significant gap in resources and funding available to people of color, women, and underrepresented entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The DEC Network serves as the convener and steward of the B.U.I.L.D. Collaborative.
To join us, email info@thedec.co.
Our Approach
B.U.I.L.D. is designed to impact systemic change and disrupt silos by coordinating Dallas’ small business resources.
The DEC Network collaborates with ecosystem partner organizations to develop and execute B.U.I.L.D.’s priority strategies through three core working committees.
The City of Dallas, Office of Economic Development–Business & Workforce Inclusion provides strategic guidance and infrastructure support.
