Launching a startup in Dallas has never been easier than it is now. I should know—nine years ago, I founded my first company here in Dallas, and it was anything but easy. There were very few resources for startups, and I had to hustle for everything I needed to launch my business, from office space for a company of one, to meeting other entrepreneurs and mentors, to spreading the word about my company. Dallas’ startup resources were few and far between, and it took pure grit and tenacity to get my business off the ground.

We not only have a growing (and thriving!) startup scene, but we also have resources for entrepreneurs at every stage of the process.

Flash forward nearly a decade later, and the Dallas startup scene is completely transformed. We not only have a growing (and thriving!) startup scene, but we also have resources for entrepreneurs at every stage of the process.

Co-working and Networking

In the early days of my business, budding startups that weren’t ready to commit to long-term leases or executive office space had few, if any, options. While it once upon a time took much effort and initiative to meet fellow entrepreneurs and generate ideas with other innovators, startup and industry meetups like Big D Open Coffee Club (BigDOCC) and 1 Million Cups as well as innovation spaces are now abundant.

Co-working spaces like NoD, The Grove, and Common Desk (just to name a few) can be found in every corner of the city. And, finding a mentor is easier than ever, as co-working spaces boast impressive rosters of mentors as a benefit of membership, including establishments like The Dallas Entrepreneur Center (The DEC)—a nonprofit that serves entrepreneurs in the Dallas area. And, if you are lucky enough to be accepted, Dallas is the proud home of not one, not two, but more than five technology accelerators, including Tech Wildcatters, REVTECH, and Motive.

Take advantage of the many unique resources Dallas has to offer, because as many successful entrepreneurs will tell you, launching a startup takes a village. Dallas is here to help, so don’t go it alone.

Content and Publicity

Beyond these community resources and organizations, it’s also never been easier to gain publicity for your startup. Dozens of publications, like Dallas Innovates, launched on this premise alone—to highlight the innovation going on in Dallas. LaunchDFW also is the go-to resource for what is going on and when in the Dallas startup community. Dallas has also been the city of choice for big-name events, including the national Angel Summit in 2014 and DisruptCRE just last month. Startups can also gain exposure through regular showcases like Dallas New Tech, Expose UX, and Dallas Startup Week.

Ten years ago, I moved to Dallas from the heart of Silicon Valley, and while my friends questioned the move, I knew what I was doing. Dallas proved me right, as it continues to grow into a thriving professional community of innovators with big ideas. Take advantage of the many unique resources Dallas has to offer, because as many successful entrepreneurs will tell you, launching a startup takes a village. Dallas is here to help, so don’t go it alone. And that’s why I’m proud to call this city my home.

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