Businesses in underserved communities are being preyed upon and what Dallas community programs are doing about it

There are local resources available for new businesses but many do not know about them, especially those in underserved communities.

Fortunately for Michelle Ochoa, founder of Vendorzs not knowing about the resources was not the case. In fact, because she learned about The DEC Network she was able to grow her business and win $10,000 from a grant sponsored by PNC Bank.

What's even better, Vendorzs is an app that helps protect local vendors from event organizers from taking advantage of small vendors at events, festivals and farmers markets.  

Vendorzs is an app that provides event vendors with a secure way to apply and pay for event booth space. The founder Michelle Ochoa created this app in hopes to prevent business predators from creating fake events. In response to winning the grand prize Michelle says, "I'm still in shock!...Right now we are manually reviewing event creator applications to safeguard against fraud….With the $10,000 prize, we plan to automate pieces of the process to streamline our event creator onboarding."

Another Latina, Carla Duriete, owner of Automotive Art LLC., also found herself fortunate for learning about local resources like the DEC Network. -- Through the DEC Network's $1 Million SBA Community Navigator grant initiative, Carla was connected to Sam Fuentes at TruFund, a local CDFI, who was able to help her refinance a loan from 18% interest down to 6.5%. Without his help, the business was likely to close up shop. But thanks to these free community resources Automotive Art LLC. is still open today.

Sam says, "I feel proud that I was able to help an business solidify their opportunity for success... I was happy to see their excitement after they closed [the deal]."

Whether a business is just starting or has been around for a while. There are several community resources at their disposal. Minority business owners should consider being a free community member of the DEC Network. By becoming a member, businesses gain access to pitch competitions, grants, financial resources, mentorship and educational information designed to grow and scale small businesses.

The Community navigator program states on the SBA website that it "offers funding to nonprofits, state and local governments, universities, and tribal entities to partner with SBA at the center of a hub and spoke network. These hubs then support spoke organizations -- trusted, culturally knowledgeable local groups and individuals -- who will connect to specific sectors of the entrepreneurial community to provide assistance during economic recovery."

Assistance can come in the form of financial assistance and access to capital contracting and procurement, marketing, operations, business development, and exporting industry-specific training.

Visit the SBA website to learn more about the federally funded, Community Navigator Program.  

The DEC Network
2001 Ross Ave Suite 700-112, Dallas, TX 75201
Media Contact - Chris Donnell
media@thedec.co

About 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.

We accelerate founder success through connections and collaboration from our work with investors, corporations, and public institutions. Since 2013, we have attracted more than 125,000 visitors, hosted over 1,000 educational events and worked with over 100 partner organizations.

This release was published on openPR.