DALLAS, June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dallas Entrepreneur Center ("The DEC") announced today it will partner with Comerica Bank for "The Dallas Entrepreneur Center's North Texas Business Pitch Contest Presented by Comerica Bank," the nonprofit's inaugural annual business competition. Comerica Bank will be the presenting sponsor of the contest, providing the full prize amount of $50,000 for the winning business pitch as well as in-kind support to further The DEC's efforts to help entrepreneurs in North Texas. The announcement is made on the one-year anniversary of The DEC, established in June 2013 to provide a business support structure for entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial hopefuls.
Since its inception, The DEC has served entrepreneurs across North Texas by providing them education, training, programming, events, collaborative space, access to capital and promotion. Now with two locations serving North Texas, The DEC provides an entrepreneurial center in the West End of downtown Dallas as well as in Addison through a partnership with the Town of Addison.
"Comerica shares our commitment to helping the entrepreneurial community be successful, so a partnership with this premier local business bank makes perfect sense," said Trey Bowles, co-founder and chief executive officer of The DEC. "We are thrilled to announce this business pitch contest as we shed light on the entrepreneurs whose ideas and enthusiasm will help drive the North Texas economy for years to come."
The Dallas Entrepreneur Center's North Texas Business Pitch Contest Presented by Comerica Bank will feature online applications, celebrity judges, and a final "Top 4" pitch contest later this year. The DEC expects to begin accepting applications for the business pitch contest on July 1, 2014. Further details will be announced soon. Visit http://www.comerica.thedec.co for more information.
"Comerica is committed to North Texas and to supporting the entrepreneurs and other businesses that are the backbone of the Texas economy," said J. Patrick Faubion, president, Comerica Bank-Texas Market. "As a bank that has a stake in the future of our region, we are proud to make this investment in The DEC, and in the North Texas communities we serve."
About The DEC
The DEC serves entrepreneurs in North Texas, providing them with training, education, mentorship, promotion and access to capital in order to encourage and equip the entrepreneurial community to start, build and grow their businesses. Facilitating a culture of entrepreneurship and 'giving before you get', the DEC connects new and old entrepreneurs with a vibrant, collaborative environment. With more than 5,000 people that have gone through its space, with greater than 80 events and 150 members, The DEC has been able to provide valuable resources and support to a burgeoning startup community. There have been over 200 office hours from more than 90 mentors and 15+ investment groups offering 175 hours of advice and counsel to startups. Of note: The DEC has created a program called "White Board Sessions" where startups across DFW can come and learn from experienced entrepreneurs and investment professionals.
About Comerica
Comerica Bank is a subsidiary of Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA), a financial services company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, and strategically aligned by three business segments: The Business Bank, The Retail Bank, and Wealth Management. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. In addition to Texas, Comerica Bank locations can be found in Arizona, California, Florida and Michigan, with select businesses operating in several other states, as well as in Canada and Mexico. To find Comerica on Facebook, please visit www.facebook.com/ComericaCares. Follow Comerica on Twitter at @ComericaCares.
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SOURCE Comerica Bank
