DEC @ Redbird offers a 7-week BIG iDEA DALLAS program for black founders »Dallas innovates

The [email protected], an entrepreneurial hub for South Dallas, wants to help local black founders launch the next big business idea. She therefore offers BIG iDEA DALLAS, an intensive seven-week program to help them move from an idea to “a successful business concept validated by the market”.

The free virtual program will begin Thursday, September 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will run for seven consecutive Thursday evenings.

The [email protected] has been part of the Dallas Entrepreneur Center DEC Network, a nonprofit catalyst for entrepreneurs since 2013.

A deep dive into innovation

Participants in the BIG iDEA program will immerse themselves in the innovation process through market research and competitive analysis.

According to Demetra Brown, Senior Director of the DEC Network, the sessions will be an interactive mix of lectures, panel discussions and whiteboards, with topics such as feasibility, legal structure, team building, financial analysis. , market demand, etc.

Attendees will also receive advice from successful business leaders, who will help emerging entrepreneurs turn their ideas into fully validated business concepts.

“We have been very fortunate to have the incredible support of the DEC Network Board of Directors as well as our extensive network of mentors,” Brown told Dallas Innovates. “As we finalize the participants, we will adapt the participating business leaders to meet the needs of our entrepreneur class,”

Of course, once you have a good business concept you need to be able to present it to investors. And BIG iDEA participants will have the chance to do so.

Presentation to investors during the Demo Day

So far, Brown says the early nominees have included founders with concepts based on IT / digital and social assistance.

Once the program is over, they and other attendees can showcase their business at the BIG iDEA DALLAS In-Person Demonstration Day on October 28, with an audience of Dallas-based investors on-site to see it. (The DEC is monitoring COVID restrictions and will update the event as needed.)

The first place winner of the Demo Day will hold the BIG iDEA DALLAS Champion title and get up to $ 3,500 in funding.

Each participant who completes the program will also receive a micro grant of $ 250.

After completing the program, participants will continue to benefit from it — with access to mentoring, a [email protected] membership and networking events exclusive to The [email protected]

Applications for BIG iDEA DALLAS are open until September 10 by clicking here.

For more information, visit The [email protected] here.