B.U.I.L.D. – The DEC Network

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 of 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, 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 demetra@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.