The Dallas Accelerator Program (DAP) is The Empowered CEO™ Institute’s growth and early scale accelerator for established businesses that are generating revenue and are ready to compete for larger opportunities.
Designed in partnership with public and private sector partners, the Dallas Accelerator Program combines The Empowered CEO™ curriculum, expert-led workshops, and one-on-one coaching to help entrepreneurs optimize operations, strengthen financial performance, and become contract-ready for city, public agency, and corporate procurement.
Through a structured 14-week sequence of modules, participants map their growth capacity, analyze the true cost of doing business, assess financial performance, and design expansion strategies grounded in data-driven decision-making.
Integrated throughout the curriculum, sessions such as “Tech Today for Small Business” and “Mastering Operations” introduce practical, right-sized artificial intelligence tools and digital systems that streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and support better forecasting and budgeting.
Designed in partnership with public and private sector partners, the Dallas Accelerator Program combines The Empowered CEO™ curriculum, expert-led workshops, and one-on-one coaching to help entrepreneurs optimize operations, strengthen financial performance, and become contract-ready for city, public agency, and corporate procurement.
Through a structured 14-week sequence of modules, participants map their growth capacity, analyze the true cost of doing business, assess financial performance, and design expansion strategies grounded in data-driven decision-making.
Integrated throughout the curriculum, sessions such as “Tech Today for Small Business” and “Mastering Operations” introduce practical, right-sized artificial intelligence tools and digital systems that streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and support better forecasting and budgeting.
Key Program Characteristics:
- Acceleration Academy: 14 intensive workshops using the Kauffman Foundation FastTrac® Growth Venture™ Program for comprehensive business management training.
- Personalized Services: Providing a variety of services and resources tailored to meet the unique needs and growth barriers of program participants.
- Ongoing Support: Continuous individual and group technical assistance, advice, and coaching for sustained growth and development.
- Network Building: Helping business owners establish a support ecosystem through seminars, events, professional networking opportunities, and access to resource agencies and subject matter experts.
- Market and Capital Knowledge: Educating participants on market entry, access to capital, including venture capital, and the effective use of technology for e-commerce and digital marketing.
Program Requirements:
- Business' annual gross revenue is greater than $250,000
- More than three years in business
- Business is located within the City of Dallas or its Relevant Geographic Market Area (MSA)
- Registered as a for-profit business in Texas
- Minority-owned small business
- Proof of business revenue for the prior year
- Willing to participate in the City's Mentor Protege Program post-graduation
GDHCC DAP 1st Cohort |
GDHCC DAP 2nd Cohort |
1st Cohort Graduation
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2nd Cohort Graduation
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