DEC Network’s State of Entrepreneurship Award nominees have been announced. Vote now » Dallas Innovates

[Graphic: The DEC Network]

The Dallas-Fort Worth entrepreneurial community is gearing up for the evening of March 7, when DEC Network will host its annual Entrepreneurship Event and Awards. Local entrepreneurs, influencers and supporters will come together to celebrate the region’s startup ecosystem.

But before the spotlight shines on Dallas-Fort Worth’s State of Entrepreneurship Awards at the next event, the community can vote for this year’s winners. These awards recognize key contributors who drive DFW’s dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, from startup evangelists to up-and-coming founders to investors who drive growth. Your vote matters, but please hurry. The deadline is Friday, February 23rd at 11pm Central Time.

Who will take home the honor this year? The 2024 categories and nominees are:

Startup Evangelist of the Year

We recognize influential champions who are dedicated to building community among entrepreneurs, leaders, and investors.

BIPOC Entrepreneur of the Year

We celebrate outstanding Black, Indigenous, or people of color founders who have made progress in their communities.

Female Entrepreneur of the Year

We recognize female business leaders who drive innovation while empowering others.

Student Entrepreneur of the Year

Focuses on undergraduate or graduate students running promising business ventures.

This year’s featured entrepreneurs

Distinguish between great founders who have been running a startup for less than 7 years.

High Growth Entrepreneur of the Year

Recognizes established innovators who have demonstrated impressive expansion over seven years.

Angel Investor of the Year

We recognize angel investors who provided significant seed capital and connections.

Institutional Investor of the Year Award

We recognize investment companies that accelerate startups through funding and guidance.

• cowtown angels
• golden seed
• Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Scale-Up Accelerator
• Horned Frog Investment Network
• Republic
• techstars
• University of North Texas Fort Worth Health Sciences Center

Corporate Supporter of the Year

We honor organizations that actively support entrepreneurship across DFW through mentoring, funding, and resources.

• capital one
• charles schwab
• HSC next
• JP Morgan Chase
• Just Works
• renderer
• mary kay
• Mavs take action
• pnc bank
• Texas Woman’s University Women’s Entrepreneurship Center

Vote here by Friday, February 23rd at 11pm CT.

Winners will be announced at the 2024 State of Entrepreneurship event

The innovators and companies driving Dallas-Fort Worth’s startup scene will be celebrated at the 2024 State of Entrepreneurship Awards on March 7th.

The State of Entrepreneurship event, hosted by DEC Network and sponsored by Bank of America, will recognize this year’s nominees and winners. Winners in all categories, from pioneering founders to emerging talent, will be chosen by public vote and announced live.

The event has long brought together contributors to DFW’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: experienced founders, emerging disruptors, investors, and advocates. The event spotlights promising ventures alongside accelerating industry leaders and celebrates the funding, launches, and milestones that continue to propel local startups onto the regional and national stage.

As of this writing, registration is still being accepted for the March 7th event, which will celebrate today’s innovators and develop those ready to shape tomorrow’s success stories.

Click here for event details and to apply.

Please put it on the list.
Dallas innovates every day.

Sign up to stay up-to-date on what’s new and next in Dallas-Fort Worth, every day.