The DEC Network is looking to help innovators make the first step in their entrepreneurial journey.
The Dallas-based entrepreneurial support organization, in partnership with Charles Schwab, has put out a call for founders of color to apply for its second BIG iDEA DALLAS cohort. Applications are due soon, by May 16.
“We know that less than 5% of startup funding is invested in underrepresented groups, and less than 3% of those funded are women-owned startups,” said Demetra Brown, senior director of The DEC Network, during last year’s capstone event. “Programs like BIG iDEA Dallas that are focused on helping Black entrepreneurs and other underrepresented groups grow have a big impact on our entrepreneurial ecosystem, which is the backbone of business in Dallas-Fort Worth.”
Seven-week program is ‘pre-step’ for founders
Launched last year out of The DEC Networks’ outpost in southern Dallas, BIG iDEA is a seven-week program that it calls a “pre-step” in a founder’s journey. The program, which caps off with a business pitch competition, includes mentoring in areas like market research and competitive analysis.
At least year’s pitch competition, Adaya Beauty and its founder Chelsy Gray took home the top prize of $3,500, while each participant received a $250 micro loan. This year, The DEC Network says $6,500 in funding is up for grabs.
The program kicks off on June 7 and runs through July 26.
Get on the list.
Dallas Innovates, every day.
Sign up to keep your eye on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.
R E A D N E X T
-
The DEC@Redbird, an entrepreneurial hub for Southern Dallas, wants to help local Black founders launch the next big idea in business. So it's offering BIG iDEA DALLAS, an intensive seven-week program to help propel them from an idea to "a successful, market-validated business concept."
-
Women entrepreneurs—especially those in the tech world—have something to keep them warm at home Thursday during tomorrow's winter storm: The DEC Network’s inaugural, all-virtual Women X Tech event, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., is designed to help women founders from all tech industries connect, learn, and grow their businesses.
-
You'll find deadlines coming up for a new accelerator program; and many more opportunities.
-
“Entrepreneurs of color are over-mentored and undercapitalized. While others are saying, ‘Here’s a program or mentorship,’ we’ve been one of the first groups to say, ‘Here’s that, plus capital, to get you there,’” says Benjamin Vann, founder and CEO at Impact Ventures.
