The DEC Network will host its 11th Annual State of Entrepreneurship event, presented by Bank of America, on January 29 at the SMU Collins Center.
For more than a decade, the awards-focused event has served as a cornerstone for North Texas, The DEC Network said, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and ecosystem builders to celebrate innovation and chart the future of entrepreneurship in the region.
“Bank of America is committed to advancing North Texas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem as presenting sponsor of the 11th Annual State of Entrepreneurship,” Jennifer Chandler, Bank of America Dallas president, said in a statement. “As the nation’s number one lender to small businesses, we combine our resources with The DEC Network’s comprehensive approach to help turn ideas into thriving businesses and celebrate the resilience and creativity that define this community. After 11 years of collaboration, we remain focused on driving innovation and strengthening the region’s business landscape.”
The State of Entrepreneurship brings together industry leaders and founders for an evening of insight, inspiration, and connection. Attendees will explore emerging trends, address key challenges facing entrepreneurs today, and discover new opportunities shaping North Texas’s startup ecosystem.
State of Entrepreneurship Awards
The event also celebrates the people and organizations making an impact across the region with its community-nominated and community-voted awards, which recognize excellence across the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This year’s awards will honor individuals, companies, institutions, and civic leaders whose work is driving innovation, access to capital, and inclusive economic growth throughout North Texas.
Award categories include:
● Entrepreneur of the Decade
● Event of the Year
● Southern Sector Entrepreneur of the Year
● Rising Entrepreneur of the Year
● Female Entrepreneur of the Year
● Male Entrepreneur of the Year
● Startup Evangelist of the Year
● University of the Year
● Financial Institution of the Year
● Large Corporation of the Year
● Small/Medium Corporation of the Year
● City / EDC / Chamber of the Year
● Foundation of the Year
● Capital Access Champion of the Year
● Ecosystem Builder of the Year
Together, these honors highlight “the depth, diversity, and collaborative spirit that define North Texas entrepreneurship,” The DEC Network said.
The event is free and open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to network with peers, connect with decision-makers, and gain exclusive insights into the state of entrepreneurship in North Texas.
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