The City of Fort Worth and The DEC Network are proud to announce the opening of a new entrepreneur center in Fort Worth called Create FW. The new space opened August 1st, 2023, and there will be a Grand Opening Celebration November 8th, 2023 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm CST.
Register for the event at https://b.link/createfw
The center is located in the heart of Fort Worth’s bustling Near Southside district, offering a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups to connect, collaborate, and grow. The space, sponsored by Meta, is designed to provide a supportive environment for entrepreneurs to network, access resources, and receive mentoring and coaching from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders.
“The City of Fort Worth is excited to continue building our investment in the entrepreneurial community by supporting the opening of this exciting new space in the Near Southside,” said Mayor Mattie Parker. “For Fort Worth to be successful, it is imperative that our entrepreneurs be successful, and that starts with providing them with the resources they need to build thriving businesses.
Create FW is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, especially women and BIPOC entrepreneurs, at all stages of their journey. The center’s comprehensive range of programs, events and services are designed to provide the necessary resources and guidance for success.
Pre-accelerators focus on assisting entrepreneurs and small business owners who are in the pre-revenue or idea stage. These programs help participants understand their market potential and establish a strong foundation for their businesses. Accelerators, on the other hand, cater to entrepreneurs and small business owners who are post-revenue. These programs enable them to scale their operations and build sustainable businesses, positioning them for future capital raises.
In addition to accelerators, Create FW will offer pitch competitions where entrepreneurs and small business owners, within the accelerator programs, can showcase their ideas and compete for prizes, depending on the program, starting at $1.5k+. Following these programs, through Create FW’s partnership with the North Texas Angel Network, participants gain access to potential capital investments as they pitch their ventures in front of investors. Furthermore, mentorship is a crucial aspect of Create FW’s programming, offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with experienced business leaders from across the DFW metroplex who can provide invaluable advice and guidance.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners need a place to house their businesses, so co-working space is available with flexible options such as virtual membership, hot desking, dedicated desks, and offices, fostering community as well as ensuring that entrepreneurs and small business owners have a suitable workspace within the center.
To complete Create FW’s ecosystem, Create FW will also provide workshops led by industry experts, covering various topics including marketing and finance, to equip entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge and skills. Additionally, Create FW will host events that encompass networking opportunities, pitch competitions, member gatherings, and community engagement activities, fostering collaboration and community building within the Fort Worth entrepreneurship ecosystem.
“Create FW is an exciting addition to Fort Worth’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and we’re thrilled for this new resource to join the Devoyd Jennings Business Assistance Center and other local partners to help support our city’s small businesses,” said Robert Sturns, Director of Economic Development for the city. “And as the home of Fort Worth’s newest Techstars Physical Health cohort, there’s already lots of energy and enthusiasm inside the Create FW space that will only continue to grow.”