The DEC Network marked a major milestone at its 10th Annual State of Entrepreneurship event on February 13 at Vouv in Addison, bringing together North Texas’ entrepreneurial community in a high-energy celebration of a decade of innovation and resilience across the region.

MC’d by Jeremiah Anderson, director of innovation at the Frisco Economic Development Corporation, the night highlighted ecosystem achievements while officially kicking off DFW Startup Week, to be held Monday, Aug. 3 through Friday, Aug. 7.

“Each year, we gather to reflect on the incredible progress, innovation, and resilience within our entrepreneurial ecosystem. Tonight, as we mark a decade of SOE, we not only celebrate the achievements of the past year but also the unwavering spirit that drives North Texas forward,” Anderson told the audience of entrepreneurs, corporate partners, investors, and community leaders.

Attendees gather for The DEC Network’s 10th Annual State of Entrepreneurship event at Vouv in Addison on Feb. 13. The ceremony kicked off DFW Startup Week and celebrated North Texas’ entrepreneurial ecosystem with Jeremiah Anderson of Frisco EDC serving as MC. [Photo: The DEC Network]

The significance of reaching the 10-year milestone was emphasized throughout the evening, with Anderson noting, “As we celebrate ten years of SOE, we also celebrate the resilience, creativity, and boldness that define this community. Let’s make it count!”

Anderson highlighted the region’s growing significance as an innovation hub, adding that that “Frisco is a fast-growing innovation community with more than 400 startups and 13 corporate innovation hubs. Frisco has seen great success during the past four years with exits for more than 35 startups and nearly 100 new investments in Frisco startups.”

The event, presented by Bank of America, featured remarks from Evelyn Solorzano, small business community officer at Bank of America, followed by the eagerly anticipated awards ceremony recognizing outstanding entrepreneurs and organizations.

“This year, with over 4,000 individuals casting their single votes, each category saw a competitive race,” The DEC CEO Bill Chinn said. “And remember, these awards are completely community-nominated and community-voted, making each win even more meaningful. To keep that community spirit going, some of our past winners helped us announce this year’s honorees.”

Ten years ago, the awards event was part of what was then called Dallas Startup Week. But a few years ago, The DEC Network made the awards its own special event. This year, the five-day Dallas Startup Week event has been rebranded to DFW Startup Week to better reflect the “incredible, thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that spans the entire area,” The DEC said.

Awards: Winners & Community Partners

State of Entrepreneurship Award winners display their trophies at the Feb. 13 ceremony at Vouv in Addison. The DEC Network’s 10th annual event recognized excellence across multiple categories with winners selected through community voting. [Photo: The DEC Network]

Entrepreneur of the Decade

A longtime entrepreneur and investor, Allen-based Ichan Stall, a DEC board member, was named Entrepreneur of the Decade, an award that honors a recipient who has demonstrated unwavering dedication, innovation, and leadership, shaping the entrepreneurial landscape and inspiring others to succeed. The award recognizes their “long-term contributions and enduring influence in the world of entrepreneurship,” DEC said.

Stall has more than 25 years of rapid growth, enterprise software, operations, sales, business intelligence, and analytics experience having worked with established and pre-IPO companies. He currently serves on the board of the North Texas Angel Network (NTAN) and is an active angel investor, adviser, and mentor to startups, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

Before co-founding Crunch Data and CrunchBot AI, both of which were acquired by QlikTech, Stall founded Accolade Advisors and previously worked for leading worldwide high-tech software organizations, including Brio Technology, Hyperion Solutions, Oracle Corporation, and QlikTech. He previously worked in the professional sports industry for the San Francisco Giants, Golden State Warriors, Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Spiders, Atlanta Knights, and the San Francisco 49ers radio network.

Other honorees

Other State of Entrepreneurship Award winners include:

Event of the Year: DFW Startup Week, sponsored by Capital One
Sponsored by Capital One as a part of their Impact Initiative, DFW Startup Week (DSW) is a free week of activities and opportunities to learn from subject-matter experts and explore the world of entrepreneurship. Every year, DSW brings together entrepreneurs and change-makers for a weeklong experience, described as the largest entrepreneurial event in North Texas, where attendees exchange ideas, collaborate, and grow alongside the 10th largest startup ecosystem in the US.

Startup Evangelist of the Year: Frances Smith-Dean, Zan Wesley Homes Jr. Community Outreach Center
Smith-Dean is executive director of the Zan Wesley Homes Jr. Community Outreach Center, a nonprofit organization creating self-sustaining pathways out of poverty for young people and families in Dallas through education, training and job placement.

Angel Investor of the Year: Shavondra Smith, founder, Home of Joy Group Home
Smith has donated to several organizations that help women and children in need, such as Helping Hands, Open Hearts, Hope’s Door New Beginning Center, and more.

Rising Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr. Ravyn Cotton, Iasoto Chiropractic Wellness Center
Cotton opened the Chiropractic Wellness Center to provide healthcare access to individuals in DeSoto since there was not an affordable, trusted wellness center there yet, DEC said.

Male Entrepreneur of the Year: Brandon Hall, -MENT Fitness
Hall opened the -MENT fitness center in Cedar Hill to address a lack of fitness facilities in the area, DEC said.

Female Entrepreneur of the Year: Ashley Adams, Ala Beauty Studios & Academy
Adams opened a studio and academy for BIPOC individuals to have access to beauty that works for them, DEC said.

BIPOC Entrepreneur of the Year: Demi Oloyede, Limpiar
Limpiar is an AI-powered, on-demand cleaning platform designed specifically for property managers and owners. It streamlines the cleaning process by providing reliable, sustainable solutions that are as efficient as they are eco-friendly. From routine maintenance to urgent cleaning needs, Limpiar empowers property managers with smart, customizable services that ensure pristine environments while promoting sustainability. With cutting-edge technology, the company makes managing property hygiene effortless and sustainable, one clean at a time.

Institutional Investor of the Year: North Texas Angel Network
The Dallas-based North Texas Angel Network provides a bright future for early-stage companies. It can provide the investment funds you need to grow your company and achieve all the success your hard work deserves. Entrepreneurs benefit from receiving financial capital as well as experiential capital for their growing businesses. Its angel investor members have entrepreneurial, business building, professional services, and senior executive management experience across a wide range of industries. This depth of knowledge and breadth of business relationships is valuable for helping early-stage businesses grow. Participating investors also benefit from access to the wide range of industry expertise across its network in assessing investment opportunities.

Foundation of the Year: Dallas Foundation
Established in 1929, The Dallas Foundation was the first community foundation in Texas. Today it’s boldly driving philanthropy for tomorrow’s Dallas. Its donors are dedicated to the well-being of Dallas’ next generation; whether fostering early childhood development, building monumental new bridges, or sustaining a life-changing urban farm.

University of the Year: Texas Woman’s University – Center for Women Entrepreneurs
The center provides the tools for women-owned Texas businesses to succeed, including business advising, funding, networking, training, and resources.

City/EDC of the Year: DeSoto EDC
The DeSoto EDC describes the city as “where innovation meets opportunity” across multiple industries. DeSoto is positioned to support the logistics, retail, and life sciences industries, with a skilled workforce, several shovel-ready sites, and a projected job growth rate of 75% over the next decade, DeSoto EDC says.

Small/Medium Corporation of the Year: Dallas Regional Chamber
Named the National Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, the Dallas Regional Chamber is one of America’s most respected business organizations and serves as the voice of business and the champion of economic development and growth in the Dallas Region. It works with member companies and regional partners to strengthen the business community by advocating for pro-growth public policies, improving DFW’s educational system, attracting talented workers from around the world, promoting diversity and inclusion, and enhancing the quality of life for all. Its goal is to make the Dallas Region the best place to live, work, and do business.

Large Corporation of the Year: Chase Bank
Chase Bank sponsors a variety of entrepreneur events and has opened branches across DFW for “all entrepreneur access.”

Financial Institution of the Year: Bank of America
Bank of America is a presenting sponsor for SOE, and provides resources with a particular focus on small businesses.

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