GEW North Texas 2025 marked another transformative year of cultivating a strong, inclusive and resilient campaign of entrepreneurship celebrations. Led by Darlisa Diltz, Lead Organizer and Chief Entrepreneurship Strategist of Foundations Entrepreneur Development Company, this year’s celebration embodied the true spirit of #TogetheWeBuild by uniting entrepreneurs, educators, investors, nonprofit leaders, and volunteers around the world. With 117 events and more than 3,000 participants, GEW North Texas reaffirmed its position as one of the most robust regional celebrations in the global GEW network.
GEW NTX has become one of the most sought-after entrepreneur-focused events that cultivate partnerships, leadership, and amplifies the stories of founders from every corner of North Texas. This year, we welcomed community leaders from Botswana, Bangladesh, Canada, as well as a featured panelist from Indianapolis, Indiana, The InerG Impact Group, as part of our pre-GEW NTX Startup Economics 101 Summit.
A Landmark Moment: The Inaugural State of Entrepreneurship–Arlington
The signature highlight of GEW North Texas 2025 was the Inaugural State of Entrepreneurship–Arlington event, a groundbreaking citywide event designed to showcase Arlington’s expanding entrepreneurial landscape. Hosted in partnership with the Arlington Economic Development Corporation, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, and the UTA Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Development, this event drew more than 280 registered attendees, a remarkable achievement for its debut year.
The program featured a vibrant vendor marketplace, a VIP reception, student volunteers from Arlington ISD, a musical ensemble from Seguin student orchestra and food from beloved local entrepreneurs, including a local family-owned restaurant, The Shrimp Doc. A key moment of the evening was the presentation of four Community Impact Awards, honoring business owners whose leadership and service are shaping the future of the Arlington small-business ecosystem. This inaugural event is already being recognized as a model for cities seeking to uplift and celebrate the entrepreneurial talent within their communities.
Innovation in Education: Ubiquitii Educational Solutions
Among this year’s standout contributors was Ubiquitii Educational Solutions, led by McGlauthon Flemming II. With a unique focus on “edutainment,” Ubiquitii hosted six dynamic workshops blending education, creativity, and entertainment to engage learners of all ages. Flemming also served as the energetic host and MC for the official GEW North Texas kickoff event, infusing the celebration with enthusiasm and an unwavering commitment to accessible entrepreneurship education.
Strengthening the Startup Pipeline: Angel Investor Speed Matching
Investment readiness remained a key theme throughout the week. The Angel Investor Speed Matching Network Session, powered by Cowtown Angels and TechFW, created a meaningful bridge between founders and investors seeking the next wave of innovative ventures. Entrepreneurs had the rare opportunity to present their ideas directly to angel investors in a fast-paced, relationship-driven environment, an invaluable experience in the journey toward capital readiness.
Empowering the Next Generation: Youth Entrepreneurship Day
The future of entrepreneurship was on full display during Youth Entrepreneurship Day, powered by Spark Arlington and Dream City Ventures. Young innovators curated conversations with local stakeholders and business owners that provided engaging content with interactive interviews and hands-on learning experiences designed to build confidence, creativity, and a belief in the power of innovation.
Community in Action: Turkey Drive Thanksgiving Party
GEW North Texas also celebrated community impact beyond business creation. The Turkey Drive Thanksgiving Party, hosted by Shalisa Smith of TailorMadeForYou, provided food and essential holiday resources to more than 200 families. This event served as a powerful reminder that entrepreneurship and community care go hand in hand—strengthening the social fabric that allows small businesses to thrive.
A Celebration Rooted in Service
At its core, GEW NTX 2025 was a celebration of the people! With the embedded theme of: For Entrepreneurs By Entrepreneurs, GEW NTX continues to be a catalyst for connection, community, recognition, and the future of entrepreneurship. As North Texas continues its rise as a national hub for entrepreneurship, GEW North Texas stands as a testament to what is possible when communities work together, share resources, and elevate voices that too often go unheard. The 2025 celebration not only honored the accomplishments of today’s innovators but also planted seeds for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
Watch Darlisa Diltz talk about Global Entrepreneurship week on the Black Business Live Podcast