DeSoto Development Corporation

We're excited to announce that Mayor Rachel L. Proctor will be joining us at our Young Professionals Forum on Tuesday, July 30th! She'll be sharing some inspiring opening words to kick off the event. This is an intimate setting where attendees will have the chance to hear from and interact with, professionals who have knowledge and experience to help influence change in our region and the future of the young professionals attending. Don't miss out on this fantastic evening! Join us on Tuesday, July 30th, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Corner Theatre, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd., DeSoto, TX. Connect with top industry leaders, network with other young professionals, and have a great time! Register here: https://hubs.li/Q02HTn7n0

The DEC / DeSoto Development Corporation Financial Summer Series workshops presented by Capital One concluded this month! More than half of the attendees were from DeSoto and the community's enthusiastic participation was truly remarkable. Participants spent time networking with other entrepreneurs, building a stronger community, and gaining valuable financial strategies and insights that make them ready to take the next steps in their financial journeys. The workshops featured interactive presentations where participants identified goals, reviewed the financial impacts of credit, analyzed strategies to maintain, improve, or establish credit, and planned for their next steps. Different financial experts from Ascend Dallas advised businesses and startups in each session. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to the success of this event. DeSoto Development Corporation DeSoto Area Chamber of Commerce Dallas Regional Chamber The DEC Network Tarsha Hearns

We're excited to announce that Quintin T. Harris will be joining us as a featured panelist at the Young Professionals Forum on July 30th! 🎉 For over a decade, Quintin has become a sought-after speaker and mentor. His audience stretches across diverse groups – professionals, faith communities, athletes, business owners, and graduating classes – all drawn to his insightful and impactful messages. From navigating spirituality and shifting mindsets to achieving success, financial freedom, and overcoming hardships, Quintin's message is clear and powerful: Wisdom is the ultimate currency. 💡💰 His dedication to Concord Church resonates deeply, where he now serves as the Young Adult Director. He's the current host of The Table, former co-host of the Table Talk Podcast, and serves as the leader of the Young Adult Bible study & Men’s Grow Group. 📖🙏 Join us for an engaging evening at the Young Professionals Forum on July 30th, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Corner Theatre, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd., DeSoto, TX. Don’t miss out on valuable insights from Quintin Harris and other leading industry experts! 🌟 Register Today! 📝 https://hubs.li/Q02HtgJ50

We're delighted to have Maggie J. Parker join us as a distinguished panelist at our Young Professionals Forum on July 30th! Maggie Parker is the Managing Partner and founder of Innovan Neighborhoods, a community-oriented development and consulting firm with over a decade of experience in community development finance, real estate development, and capacity building. Innovation Neighborhoods collaborates with nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and neighborhood associations to realize their visions, fostering stronger communities through strategic partnerships. Specializing in affordable housing initiatives and master-planned development strategies, Maggie leads efforts to empower neighborhoods and drive sustainable growth. Experience an exciting evening at the Young Professionals Forum on July 30th, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Corner Theatre, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd., DeSoto, TX. Don't miss the opportunity to gain valuable insights from Maggie Parker and other top industry leaders! Don’t forget to register! 📅 https://hubs.li/Q02FRtxX0

Your Level Up – #Accelerator Program Ready to take your business to the next level? Applications are now open for The DEC Network’s Your Level Up Accelerator Program! 💼 Scale your operations, expand your team, and secure the funding you need to thrive. Don't miss out – apply now at https://hubs.li/Q02H8pd10. #LevelUpAccelerator #Entrepreneurship #ScaleYourBusiness City of DeSoto DeSoto Area Chamber of Commerce DeSoto Development Corporation

We are thrilled to announce that Kara Lehnert will join us as a panelist at our Young Professionals Forum on July 30th! 🎉 As the Special Projects and Programs Coordinator for The DEC Network, Kara has led various initiatives. Last year, Kara supported the Community Navigator Program, an SBA initiative aiding underrepresented entrepreneurs. This year, Kara oversees programs like Podcast Creators 101, AI in Small Business, and all Capital One programming, while also serving as the liaison for a new DeSoto partnership. Kara's primary focus is on the Dallas Collaborative for Capital Access (DCCA), aimed at closing the capital access gap for underrepresented small businesses in Southern Dallas. Join us for an engaging evening at the Young Professionals Forum on July 30th, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Corner Theatre, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd., DeSoto, TX. Gain valuable insights from Kara Lehnert, and other esteemed industry leaders! 🌟 Don’t forget to register! 📅 https://hubs.li/Q02GYKfs0

Attention City of DeSoto Business Owners. Enhance Your Business with the DeSoto Façade Improvement Grant! Did you know you could enhance your building's curb appeal and boost your business with the DeSoto Façade Improvement Grant? The DeSoto Façade Improvement Grant offers a fantastic opportunity to revitalize your property and increase curb appeal. This program supports the economic sustainability of our city by assisting local property owners and businesses in making impactful improvements to their exteriors. #jointheclimb Benefits of Applying: • Financial Assistance: Get up to 50% matching grants, with a maximum of $50,000, reimbursed after project completion. • Increased Property Value: A well-maintained exterior can significantly enhance your building's market value. Improve Curb Appeal by enhancing your building’s appearance with renovations, signage, landscaping, and more. • Community Impact: Contribute to the beautification and economic development of DeSoto. Contribute to the revitalization of DeSoto’s commercial districts, reflecting #somuchtolove about #DeSoto. Eligible businesses can apply for one grant per building each fiscal year (Oct 1 - Sep 30). All projects must be reviewed by the DeSoto DC’s CEO and approved by the DeSoto Development Corporation Board. Apply now for this reimbursement grant. For needs exceeding $50K, contact us directly for additional options. #Jointheclimb toward a more vibrant DeSoto! Let's make DeSoto more beautiful, one façade at a time! https://hubs.li/Q02GMbly0 #EconomicDevelopment #SmallBusiness #DeSotoTX #BusinessGrants #FacadeImprovement

We're thrilled to welcome Latoya Fondren as a panelist at our Young Professionals Forum on July 30th! Latoya is a jack of all trades. From achieving a childhood dream of becoming a news anchor and news reporter in the news industry in Wichita Falls to becoming the PR Manager and Brand storyteller for Denny’s Inc., She now serves as a one-woman band Marketing Manager for the City of DeSoto. Don't miss the Young Professionals Forum on Tuesday, July 30th, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Corner Theatre, 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd., DeSoto, TX! Gain insights from Latoya Fondren and other top industry leaders. Register Here: https://hubs.li/Q02Gh7pz0

The DEC Network had a full house with AMPLIFY at The Shops At RedBird yesterday. This event honored #SmallBusiness owners and #Entrepreneurs of color from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. #DeSoto Mayor Rachel L. Proctor passionately connected with the audience thanks to a great fireside chat with legend Carlos White. Mayor Proctor shared her small business journey and recent foray into becoming a multi-unit #FRANCHISE owner with Salata. Mayor Proctor also highlighted the partnership with The DEC Network, DeSoto Development Corporation, and DeSoto Area Chamber to offer comprehensive services for ALL #DeSoto small business in all growth stages, from ideation to scaling. This collaboration will connect small business, micro-businesses, and entrepreneurs in the City of DeSoto. Small businessss are considered the backbone of a healthy economy and play a vital role in #economicdevelopment. Keep up the great work Tarsha Hearns, Bill Chinn board of directors, and the entire team. I can only imagine the innovation and ingenuity that this partnership will enable — AND future investment. “Progress moves at the speed of relationships.” 💎

Our dedicated summer interns are busy preparing for the upcoming Young Professionals Forum. Join us on Tuesday, July 30th at the Corner Theatre 211 E. Pleasant Run Rd. DeSoto, TX. Stay tuned! #YPForum #ProfessionalDevelopment #InternExperience #DeSotoTX #DFW Register Here: https://hubs.li/Q02Ghn8n0