Building a More Inclusive and Resilient Small Business Economy
Research Report by Next Street
Dallas is one of the fastest-growing economic centers in the United States — but the benefits of that growth have not been shared equally across communities. The Next Street Dallas Small Business Ecosystem Assessment explores the opportunities, barriers, and structural gaps impacting small businesses across the region, with a focus on Black-, Latinx-, women-, and South Dallas-owned businesses.
Developed in partnership with local ecosystem stakeholders, capital providers, philanthropic organizations, and community leaders, the report outlines how Dallas can build a more coordinated, equitable, and growth-oriented small business support ecosystem.
Executive Summary
Dallas has experienced significant economic growth over the last decade, fueled by corporate investment, population growth, and a strong business climate. Yet despite this momentum, many small businesses — particularly those owned by women, people of color, and residents of South Dallas — continue to face barriers to capital, fragmented support systems, and unequal access to economic opportunity.
The research highlights the critical role small businesses play in driving inclusive economic growth, wealth creation, job generation, and neighborhood revitalization. It also identifies the need for stronger ecosystem coordination, expanded access to capital, improved navigation of support resources, and targeted investment in underserved communities.
Topline Takeaways
Economic growth has not been equitable: Dallas has experienced significant economic growth, but women-, Black-, and Latinx-owned businesses continue to face barriers to growth, revenue generation, and access to opportunity.
Small business support systems remain fragmented: Many entrepreneurs struggle to navigate disconnected business support resources, capital providers, and technical assistance programs across the ecosystem.
Access to capital remains uneven: Small business lending and investment continue to disproportionately bypass low-income communities and businesses owned by people of color, particularly in South Dallas.
South Dallas faces persistent disinvestment: Historic inequities, underinvestment, and limited support infrastructure continue to impact entrepreneurial growth and small business development in South Dallas.
Small businesses are essential to inclusive economic growth: The report reinforces the critical role small businesses play in driving job creation, wealth building, economic mobility, and neighborhood revitalization across Dallas communities.
Download the Report
Explore the full Dallas Small Business Ecosystem Assessment for deeper insights, data analysis, ecosystem findings, and recommendations for strengthening inclusive economic growth in Dallas.