Though this month marks one year since the statewide lockdown caused by the pandemic, it also marks a special anniversary for The DEC Network: one year of serving the North Texas community through its Fast Start Mentoring Program.
One year and a new name later, the DEC Mentor Program - working with the Santander Consumer USA Inc. Foundation - has connected more than 250 mentors and mentees since its inception. The program, which officially launched on March 27, 2020, recognizes that in order to grow businesses, an entrepreneur needs access to qualified and experienced mentors.
“We launched the DEC Mentor Program due to an urgent need for entrepreneurs and small business owners to connect with subject matter experts during the onset of the pandemic,” said Bill Chinn, CEO of The DEC Network. “We are incredibly proud of what the program has achieved since launching, and are thankful for a generous donation from the Santander Consumer USA Inc. Foundation to support the program.”
With the support of the Santander Consumer USA Inc. Foundation, The DEC Network is able to continue providing this service to mentors and mentees at no cost. A $50,000 grant from the organization provides entrepreneurs access to the Qooper mentorship app, which offers mentor and mentee matching, scheduling and virtual in-app meetings for mentors and mentees, guides to help mentees and mentors be a better match, and beneficial resources for entrepreneurs.
“Mentorship and support of minority- and women-owned businesses is consistent with the Santander Consumer USA Inc. Foundation’s strategic objectives and we are excited to support The DEC Network in its efforts to provide valuable assistance to entrepreneurs through this program,” said Dr. Virnitia Hendricks, Santander Consumer USA Chief Diversity Officer and board member of the Santander Consumer USA Inc. Foundation.
In honor of its one-year anniversary, The DEC Network will host a virtual DEC Mentor Program Info Session on April 15, 2021. Meant for entrepreneurs interested in the program, the public session will include an overview and update on the program since its launch, a mentor and mentee success story, audience Q&A and the option to network with entrepreneurs post-event.
WHAT: DEC Mentor Program Info Session
WHEN: Thursday, April 15, 2021, 12-1 p.m. CT, with optional networking from 1-1:30 p.m. CT
WHERE: Virtual, link provided upon FREE registration
REGISTER: http://b.link/DECMentorProgram