Dallas-Fort Worth’s largest event focused on driving entrepreneurial success, economic impact, and innovation in the region is back for 2021. 

The seventh annual Dallas Startup Week (DSW) powered by Capital One will be held from August 1 – 5. 

The free, five-day event has something for innovators of all types, from startups to enterprises and students to educators. The DEC Network conference features 19 tracks with speakers and content for aspiring entrepreneurs, established small businesses, and corporate allies. The hybrid event will be held virtually and in person (following all CDC guidelines for social distancing) at Southern Methodist University, per The DEC.

“It’s such a great feeling, after the difficult year we’ve all been through, to be able to host Dallas Startup Week in person again, as well as virtually,” said Bill Chinn, CEO of The DEC Network in a statement. 

“Entrepreneurs are seeking resources on moving forward in the new normal,” Chinn says. “DSW truly has something to offer for every entrepreneur and small business owner out there, especially in this post-COVID era.”

Capital One, which powers the Dallas Startup Week event, has partnered with The DEC Network to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses — the creators of lasting impact in the places where we live and work, says Sanjiv Yajnik, its president of financial services. 

“To turbocharge innovation in our region, we must have a healthy ecosystem of corporations, government entities, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs working together,” he said in a statement.

Per The DEC Network:

Dallas Startup Week’s sessions fall into 19 tracks

• AI
• AR/VR
• Arts & Entertainment
• Blockchain
• Capital & Funding
• Coding
• Cybersecurity
• Defense Innovation
• Fashion
• Gaming & Esports
• Healthcare
• Legal
• Marketing
• Personal Development
• Retail
• Software as a Service
• Social Impact
• Venture
• Veteran

… and three summits

• Disrupt Dallas, August 1 
  Disrupt Dallas celebrates the champions that are disrupting the diversity pipeline, entrepreneurial market, and landscape, as well as providing expert education and programming for minority business entrepreneurs to help support and grow their business through a combination of speakers, discussions, and networking opportunities. Disrupt Dallas will take place in person at SMU and online on Sunday.

• Women of Innovation Summit,  August 4
  The Women of Innovation Summit is a daylong slate of seminars and speakers to recognize, encourage and advance female leaders who have the courage and passion to transform their ideas and ambitions into a reality. Featuring a dynamic group of leading visionaries, the Women of Innovation Summit will celebrate, inspire and connect change-makers across markets and industries to provide all women in business with greater insights and knowledge into the trends and possibilities of the future. The Women of Innovation Summit will be held in person at SMU and online.

• Corporate Startup Innovation Summit, August 5  The Corporate Startup Innovation Summit leverages and unites the breadth and diversity of DFW’s corporations and dynamic startup ecosystem. The Summit will mobilize these groups by featuring DFW’s best and brightest innovators who will share how their companies are shaping our future – resulting in new ideas, business models, investment trends, connections and opportunities for business growth and acceleration. A decision on whether that program will be held in person or virtually is forthcoming.

What else?

The DSW Official Launch Party will kick off the event. The community celebration is hosted for all attendees. DSW will also feature Startup Alley on August 2, an expo hall where locals can showcase their businesses. Stay tuned for more information on how business owners can apply for a spot at Startup Alley closer to the event, organizers say.

 “Through our partnership with The DEC Network, Capital One is proud to support the local entrepreneurs and small businesses that are creating a lasting impact on the places where we live and work.

The DEC Network drives innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs

The DEC Network, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2013 by Trey Bowles and helmed by Bill Chinn, exists to drive innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build, and grow their businesses. Since then, it’s launched a number of innovation hubs across the region that provide startups with education, mentorship, community, and advocacy. You’ll find The DEC in Redbird, Addison, and more. 

To get tickets for the event, go here.

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