Dallas Entrepreneurial Center Startup Weekends: The DEC hosts recurring startup weekends, in which entrepreneurs who love a challenge gather to pitch ideas, form groups and start companies in just a few days. At the end, companies are presented to a panel for judging and possible investment. Weekends may have themes; in 2015, the event was tailored to women entrepreneurs. The DEC often hosts conferences and speakers as well.

The Dallas 100™ Entrepreneur Awards: SMU’s Cox School of Business puts on this awards event, in which qualified entrepreneurs are honored for their achievement and spirit.

Dallas Startup Week Powered by Chase: A citywide celebration, the Dallas Startup Week began in 2015. The events honored North Texas’ entrepreneurial spirit, and included events like City Fair, which displayed community achievements in entrepreneurship, and classes and workshops by accelerators and other organizations. Presentations and meetings between entrepreneurs and potential investors were invaluable to those just starting out with their businesses.

EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards: The awards program, hosted by EY, gathers the region’s most promising entrepreneurs to compete for the title. Judges include former or current CEO’s and directors of major companies like JCPenney and The NASDAQ OMX Group.

Dallas Business Journal’s comprehensive event calendar: Dallasites can stay tuned for all small business events through the DBJ’s calendar.

Entrepreneurs for North Texas’ ‘Spirit of Entrepreneurship’: The annual fundraising event celebrates businesspeople of North Texas who make outstanding contributions to their communities. The EFNT’s Ring of Entrepreneurs inducts new members at this event, and the North Star Recognition award is given.