SEASON 4, EPISODE 12
Bridging the Capital Gap: Innovative Solutions for Equitable Entrepreneurial Funding in Dallas
In 2022, we partnered with The DEC Network to address the capital access gap among Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in Dallas County. With generous support from JPMorgan Chase & Co., The DEC Network and Economic Impact Catalyst (EIC) undertook an in-depth assessment to develop recommendations and effective interventions.
Recent research suggests that equitable and non-predatory startup investment and small business capital is difficult to access for marginalized entrepreneurs in Dallas. Join us for a discussion with local leaders as we discuss how to better support communities of color and provide equitable access to funding through economic development initiatives.
Panelists include:
- Tarsha Hearns, Senior Director of The DEC Network
- Kay West, CNP, Vice President of TruFund Financial Services
- Holly Burrow, CEO and Founder of eqALL Business Solutions
You can learn more about the Entrepreneur of Color Fund design discussed in this episode here.
About the Speaker Organizations
The DEC Network
The DEC Network is a 501c3 non-profit organization driving innovation and economic impact by helping entrepreneurs start, build and grow their businesses. With a number of innovation hubs across DFW, we provide expert education, access to knowledgeable mentors and a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Learn more at https://thedec.co/.
TruFund Financial Services
TruFund Financial Services, Inc. is a 501 (c) 3 certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) headquartered in New York City with field offices in Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas. TruFund tailors its financial and technical assistance to the unique needs of each site—from contract mobilization lending in New York and Louisiana to rural Black Belt initiatives in Alabama. Learn more at https://www.trufund.org/.
eqALL Business Solutions
EqALL is a social enterprise and entrepreneur support organization dedicated to changing the founder experience by creating eqall access to resources, support and capital readiness. We support startups and the spaces that grow them by helping organizations build capacity to serve small business founders through customized solutions designed to meet founders where they are. Learn more at https://eqall.co/.
About Breaking Down Barriers
This podcast explores the opportunity to build wealth in local, regional, and national economies through entrepreneurship-led economic development. Episodes feature changemakers with innovative approaches to empowering people to start businesses that create wealth for their families and improve outcomes for their communities. Conversations highlight work being done in communities across the U.S. to break down barriers to entrepreneurial opportunity in underserved and underrepresented communities. In this series, we share authentic stories about the impact that entrepreneurship-led economic development has on the local economy and connect a global network of passionate economic developers.
Special thanks to our renowned guests for joining the podcast! Click here to send us ideas. Subscribe in the footer to our newsletter to get updates and news delivered to your inbox!
Breaking Down Barriers is a presentation of Economic Impact Catalyst and is hosted by David Ponraj with production and editing by Jacqui Dietrich and Lauren Bernard with voice talent by Antoine Long. Please rate, review, and subscribe to Breaking Down Barriers, available for free wherever you listen to your podcasts!
