Around the State

 

Special to The Dallas Examiner

The DEC Network to distribute $1.1 million through Dallas Small Business Relief Fund

 

The DEC Network, formerly the Dallas Entrepreneur Center, in collaboration with the Communities Foundation of Texas and LiftFund, will distribute more than $1 million of forgivable loans to entrepreneurs through the Revive Dallas Small Business Relief Fund. Funding began last month.

“This year has presented businesses with unprecedented challenges,” said Bill Chinn, CEO of The DEC Network. “These challenges have been particularly difficult for our small business community. The Revive Dallas fund was designed to support those truly small businesses in Dallas, with awards available to those with fewer than 15 employees.”

Initial funding has been approved for 54 companies, with loan amounts ranging from $7,500 to $25,000. The companies reflect the diversity of small businesses in North Texas, including medical clinics, retail and food service outlets, special events and services firms and more. Moreover, the fund recipients reflect the ethnic and gender diversity of business leadership in Dallas.

“We are proud that 75% of the Revive Dallas fund recipients are minority owned businesses and 60% of the recipients are businesses owned by women,” Chinn said. “The DEC Network is committed to supporting those historically disadvantaged business communities as part of our mission to support the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem here in North Texas.”

A second round of funding is beginning now. Businesses can apply at ReviveDallasFund.com. To qualify, they must have operating since Aug. 1, 2019, be located in Dallas, have 15 or fewer employees, have a 2019 annual revenue of less than $1.5 million and must be able to demonstrate a 15% or more loss of business due to COVID-19. Formal applications will be accepted through Sept. 14, and funding will begin the week of Sept. 21.

Revive Dallas loans, which are forgivable if certain milestones are met, were created as a means of filling the gap for small businesses and entrepreneurs who were either unable to get relief through government programs or who did receive funds but they were inadequate to sustain the business.

Donations are still being accepted for the Revive Dallas fund. Major donors include professional organizations, corporations, foundations and individuals. Donations to the Revive Dallas fund are tax-deductible.

 

The Dallas Harambee Festival celebrates its 46th year of keeping the tradition alive

 

The Dallas Harambee Festival is a community-based educational and cultural event held annually on Oct. 31. It was created by the founding members of the Harambee Festival Steering Committee, a group of community minded citizens who gathered at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center to form an alternative celebration to Halloween. Their objective was to organize a celebration that would provide a positive, cultural experience for individuals and families.

Harambee is an East African Swahili word meaning “let’s pull together” or unity. Since 1974, Harambee has been the oldest and largest African American cultural event in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, with over 15,000 in attendance.

In its 46th consecutive year of keeping the tradition alive, this year’s theme is, “Seeing the Future in Our Children.”

Due to COVID-19, this year’s festival will be held on a different format. Local families and those from surrounding cities will still be able to register for free treat bags, care packages and early voting during the drive through giveaway located at 2922 MLK Blvd. starting at 10:30 a.m. until supplies last. There is an expectation of over 10 community partners 25 volunteers and 100 families to attend.

All families are to stay inside vehicles with an open trunk. Masks are required for each volunteer and recipient.

All participants will be able to view a schedule of live festivities during the Virtual Festival as well. A list of events will soon be announced online and via local and national media outlets.

Events will include a lineup of presenters and youth performers from around the world. For more information, visit https://www.harambeedallas.org, call 214-670-8418 or email dallasharambeefestival@yahoo.com.