The entrepreneurial community in North Texas is gearing up for what’s been called the “Super Bowl for Entrepreneurs” by The DEC Network’s founder and chairman, Trey Bowles.
The DEC Network will host the 2023 State of Entrepreneurship on March 29 in Frisco with a special guest appearance by Grammy Award-winning rapper and entrepreneur, Mike Render, better known as ‘Killer Mike.’
Beyond his music career, ‘Killer Mike’ is also an accomplished entrepreneur, co-founding multiple businesses, including a barbershop, a record label, and a digital media company. And he’s a believer in the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic growth and create opportunities for individuals and communities.
The annual event—hosted for the first time in Frisco at the FC Dallas National Soccer Hall of Fame—will feature keynote addresses from Bowles, who is now managing director of Techstars Physical Health Fort Worth, along with entrepreneur Jasmin Brand, and Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney.
The speakers will share their experiences and insights on the current and future state of entrepreneurship in the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
The DEC Network marks a 10-year anniversary
The DEC Network itself is marking a decade of supporting entrepreneurs and the startup ecosystem in North Texas. The nonprofit, a leading resource for entrepreneurs and startups, will celebrate its 10th anniversary at the annual event in innovative style.
Bill Chinn
DEC Network CEO Bill Chinn says attendees can expect discussions on the current and future state of entrepreneurship in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Plus, the DEC Network will announce its community-nominated and voted-on awards for Startup Evangelist of the Year, Student Entrepreneur, Rising Entrepreneur, Investor of the Year, Corporate Supporter of the Year— and new this year, BIPOC Entrepreneur of the Year and Woman Entrepreneur of the Year.
The event underscores The DEC Networks’ overall mission to help entrepreneurs start, build, and grow their businesses, Chinn says. The annual gathering is, in particular, a “great opportunity for entrepreneurs and business leaders to connect, share ideas, and learn from some of the best and brightest minds in the industry.”
Bank of America Dallas President, Jennifer Chandler, echoes the organization’s commitment to helping entrepreneurs realize their biggest dreams.
“Entrepreneurs are the heart of our business environment,” she said in a statement. “We join the DEC Network in its mission to invest in the entrepreneurial community, and The State of Entrepreneurship is a great opportunity to keep our pulse on the latest trends and find inspiration from some of our most innovative colleagues.”
Other speakers at State of Entrepreneurship 2023 include (clockwise from left) Evelyn Solorzano, Jeff Cheney, Carlos White, Veronica Torres Hazley, Tarsha Hearns, Trey Bowles, Jasmin Brand, and Rocko. [Photos: The DEC Network]
Hints of a “big announcement”
The DEC Network also teased an exciting announcement for attendees at the State of Entrepreneurship event, hinting at a major update on Dallas Startup Week.
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R E A D N E X T
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The DEC Network, in partnership with Charles Schwab, is putting out a call for founders of color to apply for its BIG IDEA DALLAS cohort by May 16. It calls the seven-week program a "pre-step" in a founder's journey.
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The DEC Network—a non-profit driving innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build, and grow their businesses—is presenting its State of Entrepreneurship event on March 29 at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco. Only a few days remain for you to get your awards votes in. You can can go here to see the awards categories, get a link to submit your votes, and find out how to register for the March 29th event.
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