The Dallas Strategic Growth (DSG) Accelerator Application Open May 12th through June 12th

The DSG Accelerator is a continuation of the United Ways' Economic Inclusion for All-Small Business sponsored by Comerica Bank with an objective to drive economic growth by empowering and bolstering the foundation of small businesses, specifically focusing on those owned and operated by underrepresented groups.

This year, VWEC anticipates bringing on additional banking partners to ensure all our graduates have access to a minimum $2.5k matching grant to implement their strategic growth plan.

The DSG Accelerator offers 10 full-day sessions over four months focused on developing a Strategic Growth Plan. The curriculum covers all elements of constructing a strategic plan focused on growth.

Participants will develop and/or update their business objectives beginning in July, by conducting a market analysis and environmental scan while exploring effective strategies for customer engagement.

August is devoted to pricing and business financials. In September, we dive into establishing SMART goals, KPIs, CSFs, and supporting technology.

The series will close out in October with the development of a sales strategy, review of marketing mechanics, and completion of a management assessment.

In addition, there are regularly scheduled half-day hands-on structured group co-working support sessions and one-on-one mentoring.

DSG is a weighted program, participants are expected to attend sessions regularly and actively participate, complete, and submit all business development assignments. All course requirements are scored to determine participants' ability to pitch and/or access matching grant funds

All course requirements are scored and ultimately determine graduates ability to pitch, and access matching grant funds.

Program outcomes include participants’ development and approval of a written one-page Strategic Growth Plan and Pitch Deck to compete to share $10k in funding or $2.5k in matching grant funds.