The Franchise Memorandum

Dallas Startup Week (DSW) takes place in September every year; this year’s event was hosted by University of North Texas on September 10-14. DSW, which is hosted by an entrepreneur-focused nonprofit, The DEC Network, provides a full week of activities and opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs to connect with each other, investors, stakeholders, and subject matter experts. The DEC Network also oversees the largest continuous startup and emerging business ecosystem in the state of Texas. Programming for DSW revolves around Gaming & Esports, Healthcare, A.I., Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, Startup Funding, Social Impact, and Franchising.

During DSW, Carlos White of Lathrop GPM and board member of The DEC Network, moderated the following sessions related to franchising:

• Franchising: The Most Overlooked Growth and Revenue Strategy for Startups & Emerging Companies

• What is Mayor Eric Johnson’s Franchise Initiative, and How Does It Benefit Entrepreneurs?

• Franchising: The Ultimate Startup & Emerging Business Eco-System Builder for Scaling Companies in All Industries

The overriding theme for the franchise sessions was if you are a franchisor and/or franchisee (irrespective of your current city or state residence) that is considering operating in Texas, the fastest growing state for franchising by far (see IFA Franchise Outlook), you can potentially thrive in (1) Dallas, given the 360° franchise ecosystem and infrastructure that has been build-out as a result of the Mayor’s Franchise Initiative, and (2) regionally via the Texas Triangle, given  its explosive population growth and proximity of its anchor cities, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, all of which are less than a one hour flight and four hour drive from each other.

If you would like to learn more about DSW, Mayor’s Initiative, and franchise growth opportunities associated with Dallas and the Texas Triangle, please feel free to reach out to Carlos.