Dallas entrepreneurs are gearing up for a major boost, as the City of Dallas Small Business Center rolls out its inaugural Mentor Protégé Program, set to kick off on May 2. The initiative is designed to springboard Minority and Women-Owned Businesses (M/WBE) into greater success through partnerships and expansive networking opportunities. The program’s primary focus? To foster the growth of small businesses throughout the community by laying out a synergy between experienced mentors and eager protégés.

According to the City of Dallas, participating protégés can expect to gain access to a well of resources, including one-on-one mentorship, educational workshops, and comprehensive training sessions. The mentors, financial giants in their own right, come packed with expertise from securing contracts in Dallas and are ready to provide that much-needed guidance to the up-and-coming protégés.

“The program aims to facilitate collaboration between seasoned businesses (mentors) and smaller enterprises (protégés), fostering their ability to excel as prime contractors or subcontractors in various contracting opportunities,” stated Joyce Williams, Director of the Small Business Center. The establishment encourages eligible local businesses to grab this opportunity and apply, according to the City of Dallas.

Bringing services under one roof since December 2021, the City of Dallas Small Business Center is no stranger to bolstering the local economy. It weaves together initiatives in business diversity, workforce development, and entrepreneurship – tailoring support activities that answer the call for small business growth and development. With a mission to strengthen community foundations, the Small Business Center stands as a beacon of hope for Dallas residents in search of empowerment and economic ascension.