FROM FIRST IDEA TO FIRST CONTRACT...

The Empowered CEO™ Institute offers a pipeline of five programs built to take North Texas entrepreneurs from idea to impact.

Funded in partnership with

Dallas County City of Dallas Dallas College

What The Institute Delivers For North Texas

Across all five programs, the Empowered CEO™ Institute is one of the most active small business development ecosystems in the Dallas region, producing measurable outcomes for entrepreneurs, funders, and the broader community.

THE EMPOWERED CEO™ INSTITUTE PATHWAY

The Empowered CEO™ Institute is not a single program, it is a structured ecosystem. Each program is designed for a specific stage of business growth. Whether you're starting from an idea or ready to compete for city contracts, there's a program built for where you are right now.

Five Programs. One Clear Path Forward.

Entry Point · Open Year-Round

Small Business Support Program

For anyone who needs business guidance at any stage

Not sure where to start? This is your first stop. One-on-one technical assistance appointments covering funding, HR, legal compliance, contracts, bonding, and more. No cohort dates, no application window. Schedule an appointment and we meet you where you are.

Open year-round One-on-one advising Free to participants

Funded by Toyota and Texas Instruments Learn more

For Startups · Spanish Only

ESL Entrepreneurship Program

For Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs with a business idea

Offered in collaboration with Dallas College, the ESL Entrepreneurship Program covers the essential steps to starting a business in the US, legal structure, permits, regulations, and business fundamentals, taught entirely in Spanish.

Cohort-based Taught in Spanish Free to participants

Funded by Dallas College Learn more

Growth Stage · Existing Businesses

ScaleUp Accelerator Program

For established businesses ready to compete at a higher level

10 intensive weeks built on the Kauffman FastTrac® curriculum, AI tool integration, and expert-led webinars. Graduates leave with a completed business plan, a professional network, and direct pathways to procurement contracts and new markets.

10-week cohort 20 seats per cohort Free · $34K value

Funded by Dallas County Learn more

Contract Readiness · Established Businesses

Dallas Accelerator Program

For established businesses pursuing city and public agency contracts

13 intensive workshops to map growth capacity, analyze cost of doing business, and build a strategic plan, presented at graduation to a panel of procurement experts and potential buyers. Built to get you contract-ready.

13-week cohort Contract readiness focus Free · $25K+ value

Funded by the City of Dallas Learn more

Advanced · Continuing Education

Venture Forward Accelerator

For growth-stage owners ready for deeper, specialized learning

The Institute's advanced continuing education program. Specialized cohorts in construction, artificial intelligence, and access to capital, led by seasoned subject matter experts.

4–8 week cohorts Specialized tracks Priority for graduates

Learn more

Not sure which program is right for you?

Tell us where your business is right now and we'll point you to the program that fits.

YOUR INVESTMENT REACHES THE ENTREPRENEURS WHO NEED IT MOST

Corporate and institutional partners fund the programs that change businesses and communities. Every dollar invested in The Empowered CEO™ Institute goes directly toward training, advising, and equipping small business owners across North Texas.

FOR CORPORATIONS & INSTITUTIONS

MOST IMPACTFUL

FUND A PROGRAM OR COHORT

Name a program, sponsor a cohort, or co-fund curriculum development.
Get direct visibility with participants and recognition across all program communications, while making a measurable investment in the North Texas small business community.

TALK TO OUR TEAM

FOR EXPERTS AND ORGANIZATIONS

CONTRIBUTE EXPERTISE

Bring your team's knowledge into our curriculum as guest instructors, panelists, or advisors. Build relationships with high-potential businesses before they grow into your customers or vendors, while giving back to the community.

GET INVOLVED