Small Business Launch Pad

Dallas College: Where Entrepreneurs Begin, Grow and Thrive Building Businesses. Empowering Communities. Shaping the Future.

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Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Starts Here

We have built an ecosystem that supports entrepreneurs at every stage. From classroom learning to business advising, coworking spaces and national growth programs, we connect you to the tools and people you need to succeed.

 

North Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

Expert Guidance for Every Stage

SBDC offers personalized, one-on-one advising at no cost to help entrepreneurs launch, grow and sustain successful businesses. Our experienced advisors offer practical guidance tailored to your goals, including:

  • Business planning and strategy
  • Financing and funding options
  • Market research and expansion support

Explore Our Small Business Development Work

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Two business owners look at the register

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Accelerate Your Growth

Dallas College hosts the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, a nationally recognized initiative that equips entrepreneurs with the skills and strategies to grow.

  • Practical education in finance, marketing and leadership
  • Customized growth plan
  • National network of peers and mentors

“Graduates grow revenue and create jobs in their communities.”

Get Started With 10,000 Small Businesses

Ascend Institute

Real People. Real Jobs. Real Success.

As your business grows, the demand for a highly skilled workforce grows with it.

Ascend Institute partners with business and industry leaders, and employers to deliver customized, high-impact training solutions facilitated by experienced professionals and subject matter experts. Trainings upskill the incumbent workforce across every industry sector while strengthening the development and acquisition of future talent.

Explore Your Franchise Opportunities

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A woman writes on a tablet while working at a bicycle shop

Franchising Center

Explore, launch or scale through franchising.

Whether you are exploring –

  • Franchise ownership
  • Expanding existing business
  • Developing strong managers to support multi-unit growth

Dallas College offers targeted training to meet you where you are.

Our Franchising Program includes specialized continuing education tracks for both food service and non-food concepts. Each track consists of a four-course (128 contact hour) sequence designed to build practical, job-ready skills—culminating in a recognized skills award.

Explore Your Franchise Opportunities

Academic Entrepreneurship Programs

Build the skills to start, grow or strengthen a business—now or in the future.

Dallas College offers flexible academic pathways designed for students exploring entrepreneurship, supporting a family business, or preparing to launch something of their own. Begin with short-term courses and certificates, then progress through –

  • Stackable Level I and Level II credentials
  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Entrepreneurship
  • Bachelor of Applied Science in Management (BASM) with entrepreneurship emphasis

Our programs blend practical business knowledge with creativity, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset—enhanced by hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that connect directly to real-world business challenges.

Start Your Academic Journey Today

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Modern lounge area with a grey sectional sofa decorated with pillows in blue, orange, light grey, and multicolored floral patterns. Behind the sofa is an abstract mural featuring geometric shapes in blue, purple, green, and yellow. A round marble coffee table sits in front of the sofa, creating a contemporary and vibrant setting.

Dallas College Venture Club

Innovation Needs a Home

This is a collaborative coworking space for creatives, startups and small business owners.

  • Flexible workspace and meeting rooms
  • Podcast studio and creative tools
  • Networking events and mentorship

More than a workspace — it is a launchpad for ideas.

Find Your Creative Spark

Join the Dallas College Small Business Launch Pad

Whether you are a student with a dream, a founder with a plan or a business owner ready to scale, Dallas College is here to help you succeed.

Dallas College: Where ideas take root and businesses thrive! To learn more about an opportunity, connect with us - SmallBusinessLaunchPad@DallasCollege.edu.

Updated April 24, 2026