The DEC Network: IT on Site @Redbird

Build Your Network Signature + Community Events See below for The DEC Network's Signature events! DFW Startup Week Date: August 03-06, 2026Location: SMU Collins Center Sponsored by Capital One Register Here DFW Startup Week 2026 - Celebrating 11 Years of Innovation!Fueling Innovation Across North Texas Get ready for the 11th Annual DFW Startup Week, bigger and better than ever before! Hosted by the SMU Cox Spears Institute at SMU, this year's event promises to be an unforgettable celebration of entrepreneurship, innovation, and business leadership. As the second largest Startup Week in the U.S. and the largest in Texas, DFW Startup Week brings together a diverse community of entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders. It's also one of the most diverse Startup Weeks in the country, offering a platform for voices from all backgrounds to share ideas, collaborate, and grow. From August 03-06, 2026, join us for expert-led workshops, inspiring keynotes, pitch competitions, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Whether you're a startup founder, aspiring entrepreneur, or seasoned professional, this event has something for everyone. Don't miss out on this year--join us for a week of learning, growth, and connection that will shape the future of North Texas! Register now to be part of DFW Startup Week! More info HERE PNC Workshop: Small Business and Financial Emergencies Register Here August 25th, 2026 The DEC Network @ Fort Worth PNC Workshop: Small Business & Financial EmergenciesIs Your Business Ready for an Emergency? Is Your Business Prepared for the Unexpected? Join PNC Bank and The DEC Network on August 25 from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM at The DEC Network at Fort Worth for a practical workshop on managing financial emergencies, protecting cash flow, and building a resilient business. Learn strategies to navigate uncertainty and position your business for long-term sustainability and success. Big Idea Pitch Competition Register Here June 30th, 2026 The DEC Network @ Redbird Join us as we celebrate the entrepreneurs who have earned a spot in this year's Big iDEA Pitch Competition. 📅 Date: Tuesday, June 30th⏰ Time: 4:30 PM - 7:00 PM📍 Location: The DEC Network @ RedBird The Top 8 founders, after weeks of competition, have earned their place in the Big iDEA Pitch Competition and are ready to take the stage. Each entrepreneur will present their business concept to a live audience and a panel of judges, competing for cash awards to help accelerate their venture's growth. This competition showcases the creativity, determination, and vision of some of our region's most promising entrepreneurs. At the conclusion of the event, three founders will be recognized and awarded funding to support the next chapter of their business journey. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, business professional, student, or someone who enjoys seeing great ideas come to life, this is an opportunity to connect with the entrepreneurial community and support the next generation of innovators. Your evening includes: • Live founder pitch competition featuring the Top 8 finalists• Networking with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community members• Light bites and refreshments• Celebration of local entrepreneurship and innovation• Award presentation recognizing the Top 3 founders Come cheer on these ambitious founders, make new connections, and be part of an evening dedicated to turning big ideas into reality. Reserve your spot today and help us celebrate the entrepreneurs building what's next! Your Startup Pitch Competition May 12th The DEC Network @ Frost RedBird Event Center Register Here The Your Start Up Pitch Competition is an exciting opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative ideas and compete for funding, mentorship, and resources to accelerate their businesses. Taking place on May 6th at The DEC Network @ Frost RedBird Event Center, this high-energy event brings together emerging startups, investors, and business leaders from various industries. What to Expect: Live Pitches: Watch as selected entrepreneurs present their business ideas to a panel of expert judges, with a chance to win valuable prizes that could take their startups to the next level.Expert Judges: Gain insights from a distinguished panel of investors, industry leaders, and successful entrepreneurs who will evaluate pitches and provide actionable feedback.Networking Opportunities: Connect with other entrepreneurs, investors, and potential business partners in a dynamic, supportive environment.Prize Packages: Winners will receive a combination of funding, mentorship, and resources tailored to help them scale their business and grow.Whether you're pitching, supporting a competitor, or simply interested in the latest innovations, the Your Start Up Pitch Competition is the perfect platform for entrepreneurs to elevate their ideas and take their ventures to the next level. Don't miss this chance to witness the future of innovation! The DEC Network Golf Classic Date: May 11, 2026Location: At Hackberry Creek Country Club More Information The 5th Annual DEC Network Golf Classic - May 11, 2026 Join us for the 5th Annual DEC Network Golf Classic on May 11, 2026, at the stunning Hackberry Creek Country Club! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual golfer, this exciting event is the perfect opportunity to network, support local entrepreneurs, and enjoy a day on the green. With a beautiful course, friendly competition, and a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and business leaders, it's an event you won't want to miss. Register today to secure your spot and be part of this highly anticipated event! View the recap video below. North Texas Capital Access Convening Register Here! North Texas Capital Access (NTCA) Convening Join us for the North Texas Capital Access (NTCA) Convening, hosted in person at Create FW. This impactful event provides a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and drive forward our mission to empower underrepresented entrepreneurs by bridging the capital access gap. Event Details:📅 Date: April 9th, 2026🕛 Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM📍 Location: Create FW Enjoy a complimentary lunch while engaging with fellow collaborators and stakeholders dedicated to enhancing access to capital for our entrepreneurial community. Agenda:12:00 PM - 12:45 PM: Lunch and an overview of the Dallas Collaborative for Capital Access12:45 PM - 1:30 PM: Partner presentations on the resources they are offering through this initiative1:30 PM - 2:00 PM: Networking and collaborationThis gathering is an opportunity to gain valuable insights, share perspectives, and actively contribute to advancing equitable opportunities for entrepreneurs across the community. RSVP today to secure your spot and be part of this important conversation. We look forward to seeing you there! Unicorns & Underdogs: High-Growth Founder Summit March 26th, 2026 Create FW Register Here Unicorns & Underdogs: High-Growth Founder Summit is a high-impact experience designed for founders navigating rapid growth, big decisions, and bold ambition. From scrappy underdogs to unicorn-level visionaries, this summit brings together entrepreneurs, operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders to unpack what it really takes to scale in today's competitive landscape. High-growth companies don't follow a single playbook--and this summit is all about sharing the real stories, strategies, and lessons learned along the way. Through candid conversations and actionable insights, founders will gain the tools they need to grow sustainably, lead with confidence, and build resilient companies ready for what's next. What to Expect at the Summit:Founder & Investor Panels: Hear from experienced founders and investors as they break down scaling challenges, fundraising realities, and growth inflection points. Keynote Conversations: Learn from leaders who have built, scaled, and navigated the highs and lows of high-growth entrepreneurship. Peer-to-Peer Networking: Connect with fellow founders, operators, and investors who understand the journey--from early traction to hypergrowth. Actionable Insights & Strategies: Walk away with practical frameworks for scaling teams, capital, operations, and culture. Real Growth Stories: Get an inside look at how companies moved from underdog to breakout success--and what they'd do differently. Whether you're preparing for your next growth phase or already scaling fast, Unicorns & Underdogs is where ambitious founders come to sharpen their strategy, expand their network, and level up. Be part of the conversation shaping the next generation of high-growth companies. See below for a calendar of upcoming community events! Click here to add your upcoming event to our calendar!