With an impressive twenty-one Fortune 500 companies located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, it hardly comes as a surprise that the area has turned into an important business center. And while major established companies like Exxon Mobil Corp., AT&T Inc. and Toyota call Dallas home, just as many companies are starting from the ground up.
Home to an increasing number of startups and other ventures, the Dallas-Fort Worth metro is a perfect location for entrepreneurs at any stage of their career. Startups in Dallas also have access to such resources as the Dallas Entrepreneurs Center—a workspace available for budding entrepreneurs and companies to benefit from shared knowledge and mentorship within the community—and the Dallas B.R.A.I.N (business resource and information network).
Students hoping to pursue an advanced education within entrepreneurship also have a number of opportunities in Dallas. Below, are just a few of the MBA programs in entrepreneurship in the metro:
University of Texas at Dallas – Naveen Jindal School of Management
While the Jindal School at UT Dallas does not offer a direct MBA in entrepreneurship, students at Jindal may pursue a dual MBA/MS degree, which includes Jindal’s MS in innovation and entrepreneurship. Dedicated to preparing students for a career in innovation roles, whether at established companies or in helping to create new ventures, Jindal’s MSIE has received such recognitions as the 2014 Award for Excellence in Entrepreneurial Teaching and Pedagogical Innovation, among others.
UT Dallas is also home to the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which holds the mission of “supporting students and faculty with entrepreneurial training and resources”. The IIE provides students with programs such as the Business Idea Competition, Launchpad Programs, Girls Going Places and Startup Launch, along with the networking opportunities and a number of conferences and courses throughout the year.
Texas Christian University – Neeley School of Business
The Neeley Entrepreneurship Center at TCU aims to help students learn to be imaginative, inspiring and to achieve their goals through strategic planning and smart decision making. The Center offers a number of programs and competitions for students to gain hands on entrepreneurial experience and even have a shot at earning funding for their project, including:
- Elevator Pitch Competition: Students have the opportunity to pitch their business idea to judges in just 90 seconds, explaining how their idea addresses needs, creates value and will be successful. First place winners receive $500 and a free trip to the CEO National Conference in Tampa Bay, Florida.
- Bill Shaddock Ventures Capital Fund: Every year, students have the chance to present their idea for a business or venture to a team of investors, with the ability to receive feedback from a panel of students and entrepreneurial professionals and the opportunity to receive up to $10,000 in funding for the project.
Other programs in entrepreneurship at Neeley include the Cowtown Angels Scholars Program, a chance for MBAs and undergraduates alike to witness the process of selecting and funding new ventures, the Entrepreneurial Intern Program and the Small Business of the Year Award.
Baylor University – Hankamer School of Business
The Hankamer School of Business offers an MBA in entrepreneurship that has been widely recognized within the business community, earning the 13th highest spot in the newest U.S. News & World Report ranking of top graduate entrepreneurship programs, and a top 25 undergraduate entrepreneurship program by Fortune Small Business. The Baylor Entrepreneurship MBA focuses on instructing students in new venture creation and corporate entrepreneurship by putting their skills to work in hands-on experiences.
Hankamer is also home to the John F. Baugh Center for Entrepreneurship and Free Enterprise, which connects students to the local, national and global business community through a number of outreach programs. These include scholarly publications like the Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice Journal, mentorship and internship programs and even the opportunity for business professionals to evaluate new venture ideas.
Southern Methodist University – Cox School of Business
The Caruth Institute for Entrepreneurship at SMU Cox allows MBAs and undergraduates alike a number of opportunities to extend their education in entrepreneurship and innovation. Founded over thirty years ago, the Institute now offers over 18 custom courses for budding entrepreneurs, including starting a business, venture financing, private equity and venture capital practicum, among others.
A number of additional programs offered at the institute give students the chance to gain entrepreneurial experience outside of the classroom. Such programs include:
- Cox MBA Venture Fund: MBA students earn hands-on experience making debt and equity investments to fund businesses created by Cox students and alumni.
- Southwest Venture Forum: Twice every month, this non-profit forum gathers together entrepreneurs looking to start businesses and gives them the opportunity to meet with investors for advice and possible funding.