Program is backed by $1 million grant from the U.S. Small Business Association

The DEC Network was awarded a $1 million grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration in October for the Community Navigator Pilot Program. Now, North Texas’ entrepreneurial hub is ready to celebrate the possibilities the grant brings and invite the community to find ways to engage, connect and benefit from the revolutionary program with a kickoff event from 2:30-4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17.

The kickoff, which will take place at The DEC@Redbird in Southern Dallas, will feature a convening of The DEC Network and the six community “spoke organizations” that will use the funds to reach out to underrepresented entrepreneurs: Veteran Women’s Enterprise Center, LiftFund, TruFund, Dallas College, BCL of Texas and WiNGS. Key community leadership, interested entrepreneurs, business partners and area influencers are invited to attend to learn how to become a part of this transformational initiative. The DEC Network was the only organization in North Texas selected to lead in the Community Navigator program.

The $100 million Community Navigator Pilot Program, an American Rescue Plan initiative, is designed to reduce barriers that underrepresented and underserved entrepreneurs often face in accessing the programs they need to recover, grow, or start their businesses.

The DEC Network CEO Bill Chinn will speak at this first public event for the Community Navigator program, as will leaders from the spoke organizations. They’ll provide those attending with first-hand knowledge of the goals of the coalition, as well as direct access to experts and spokespeople. The kickoff will showcase how these organizations are all working together to create more resources and benefits for underserved entrepreneurs. There will also be opportunities for experts to partner with the program.

“It’s so important to bring the underserved entrepreneurial community together to connect both people and resources,” Chinn said. “The DEC Network has always been a facilitator for the entrepreneurial community, and this is a unique opportunity to serve as the hub for an amazing outreach initiative.”

The Community Navigator Kickoff event will be followed by monthly opportunities for both experts and entrepreneurs to get involved. Quarterly convenings will bring all the resource organizations together and will take place throughout the two-year pilot program. A website that will be the epicenter for Community Navigator resources and events is coming soon.

“We are honored to be part of this transformational program that will bring our community together,” said Kate Rose Marquez, CEO of WiNGS. “We have seen time and again how empowering underserved and underrepresented women has lifted up not only families but whole communities. WiNGS is proud to partner with The DEC Network and other organizations to reduce barriers and create real change.”

WHAT:           Community Navigator Kickoff Event

WHEN:           Thursday, Feb. 17, 2:30 p.m.

WHERE:          TheDEC@Redbird

3662 W. Camp Wisdom Rd. #2044, Dallas, TX 75237

RSVP:             Registration is free

RSVP at https://thedec.brushfire.com/navigator-kickoff/524035