About this Event
The Startup Economics 101 Summit 2026 is an annual, forward-thinking event designed to empower entrepreneurs of all levels, regardless of their demographic or business type. The summit seeks to encourage meaningful discussions on various topics, including:
- Economic resilience
- Innovation
- Investment
- Digital transformation
- And much more
Through engaging with informative panel discussions, and valuable networking sessions, participants will have the chance to connect with industry stakeholders, exchange practical ideas, share industry best practices, and forge partnerships that promote sustainable economic growth.
Whether you are an Entrepreneur, Community Stakeholder or Industry Expert, this is an event you do not want to miss!
Agenda
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
International Conversation: Entrepreneurship Around the World
Host: Tolu Akindunni
Info: Hear from industry stakeholders worldwide on their journey in Entrepreneurship and the business ownership landscape from their communities. Participants of this conversation will gain insight into what it looks like to be an international business owner, current challenges and the best practices from varying countries and much more. If doing business internationally is on your radar, this is a conversation you do not want to miss. With our distinguished panel, we have Moderator Tolu Akindunni, the founder of the All Things Black and Beautiful Podcast. Joining the panel are Vitali Karpeichyk, the founder of Pig Pug Health, and Shanice Maposa, the founder of Calufia_Bw.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AM
Protecting Generational Wealth
Host: Dr. W Marvin Dulaney
Info: Have you ever considered what it takes to maintain and grow your wealth? In this session, we have experts ready to share their insights on how you can achieve this. Additionally, you'll learn how to avoid selling your family property for a mere dollar sign, ensuring that your history is preserved for generations to come.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Support for Nonprofit Organizations
Info: This session focuses on assisting nonprofits in finding the resources they need to address their challenges. Often, these resources may not be immediately visible, so we aim to introduce you to lenders who support nonprofits and connect you with valuable opportunities.Our engaging panel features moderator Tracy Lewis, the founder of Lewis & Associates, LLC. Joining her are Judy Helm, Senior Vice President and Community Development Engagement Officer at ABC Bank, and ShaRhonda Hill, Vice President of Market Operations at TruFund Financial Services.
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Is Your Network Contributing to Your Networth
Host: Jessica Hayden
Info: Join a conversation about how entrepreneurs are creating spaces for connection, meetings, and inspiration for like-minded individuals.
🕑: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Keynote Conversation: Creating a Blueprint to Unite Entrepreneurs
Host: Brianna Jovahn
Info: Many individuals aspire to cultivate spaces that appeal to entrepreneurs, yet they often feel uncertain about how to begin. So, let’s turn to the experts who have developed a strategic plan, put it into action, and established successful businesses. Our Engaging panel features moderator Brianna Jovahn, the founder of Growth Network Podcasts. Joining her are Andrew Nash, Chief Operations Officer for Dallas Fort Worth Business Council, and Darlisa Diltz, Chief Entrepreneurship Strategist founder for Foundations Entrepreneur Development Company.
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Maximizing Resources-Verizon Small Business Digital Readiness and Beyond
Host: Moderator/ Jessica Hayden
Info: Many individuals aspire to cultivate spaces that appeal to entrepreneurs, yet they often feel uncertain about how to begin. So, let’s turn to the experts who have developed a strategic plan, put it into action, and established successful businesses. Our innovative discussion showcases moderator Jessica Hayden, the founder of Hustle Creative Studio, LLC. She will be joined by Misa Bacon, who serves as the Dallas Advocate for the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program, for an enlightening conversation.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:45 PM
Closing Remarks/End of Event Networking
Info: This portion is designed to continue the conversations! We encourage you to network, connect and visit with onsite vendors.
🕑: 02:00 PM
Event Close
Host: Darlisa Diltz
Info: In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for attending the 3rd Annual Startup Economics 101 Summit. We are thrilled to contribute to the entrepreneurship community through the Foundations Entrepreneur Development Company. This event would not have been possible without the support of the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Program. We invite you to stay connected with this initiative, as we have much more to share with our valued communities.
Event venue & nearby stays
South Dallas Fair Park Innovation Center (SDFP), 3225 Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Dallas, United States