Our Mission
GIVE

DFW Black Owned Business Network

DFW BOBN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Mansfield, Texas, empowering Black and minority business owners, professionals, and families to thrive. Through education, connection, and opportunity, we provide the tools, mentorship, and opportunities that drive growth, strengthen communities, and create lasting impact. With a focus on literacy, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial development, we’re building a stronger, more equitable DFW—together.

2025-26 Initiatives Brochure

2025-26 Initiatives Brochure

Empowering-Black-and-Minority-Businesses-in-DFW.pdf - 1.7 MB

Our Impact: A Vision for the Future

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Fostering Revenue Growth

We aim to foster significant revenue growth for member businesses through our comprehensive support programs, contributing to their long-term prosperity.

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Expanding Business Support

Our goal is to extend support to a vast number of small and minority-owned businesses across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

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Driving Job Creation

We envision driving substantial new employment opportunities through the expansion and growth initiatives of our supported businesses.

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Ensuring Program Success

We are dedicated to ensuring a high success rate for participants who complete our entrepreneurship and skills development programs, maximizing their potential.

About Our Organization

Our Vision

The DFW Black Owned Business Network was founded with the aspiration to create lasting change in the Dallas-Fort Worth business landscape. We aim to address the critical need for a dedicated organization that can provide comprehensive support to Black and minority-owned businesses while addressing broader community needs through education and literacy.

Our approach is designed to be unique – we plan to focus not just on business success in isolation. We understand that thriving businesses can strengthen families, and strong families can build resilient communities. This interconnected philosophy will drive every program we develop and every partnership we forge as we work towards our goals.

Meet Our Founder

Tahj Graham

Founder & Executive Director

Tahj Graham brings a wealth of experience in community development, business mentorship, and social impact to his role as founder of DFW BOBN. His vision is to create a comprehensive ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs and families, extending far beyond traditional business networking.

Under his leadership, DFW BOBN aims to develop innovative programs that address multiple community needs simultaneously – from business development to literacy initiatives. We envision Tahj's commitment to building generational wealth and community strength positioning DFW BOBN as a leading voice in the Dallas-Fort Worth business community.

His approach will emphasize the importance of education, mentorship, and collaborative growth as the foundation for sustainable business success and community development.

Programs for Entrepreneurs

Our goal is to design entrepreneurship programs that aim to meet DFW business owners at every stage of their journey, from initial concept to scaling operations. We envision providing comprehensive support that addresses both the practical and strategic aspects of business development, making it clear these are plans and aspirations for what DFW BOBN wants to achieve.

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Entrepreneurship Foundations

We plan to develop an intensive program covering business fundamentals, market analysis, financial planning, and legal structure. This program aims to be perfect for new entrepreneurs ready to turn their vision into reality.

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Business Growth Program

We aim to provide advanced strategies for established businesses looking to scale operations, expand market reach, and optimize profitability through strategic planning and implementation.

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Digital Transformation

We envision offering technology integration guidance to help traditional businesses navigate digital marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and modern customer engagement strategies.

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Business Plan Development

Our goal is to provide expert assistance in creating comprehensive business plans that aim to attract investors, secure funding, and provide clear roadmaps for sustainable growth.

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One-on-One Consultations

We aim to offer personalized business assessments that address specific challenges, opportunities, and strategic decisions unique to each entrepreneur's situation.

Programs for Professionals

Professional Development & Networking for the Future

Our individual programs aim to focus on building essential skills, fostering meaningful connections, and providing access to resources that will drive personal and professional growth. We envision these programs enhancing capabilities and expanding networks for all participants.

Skills Development Workshops

We plan to offer workshops covering specific business and professional skills, including digital marketing, financial literacy, project management, and communication strategies.

Mentorship & Training

Our goal is to provide personalized guidance from experienced business leaders and industry professionals, offering insights, accountability, and strategic advice.

Networking Mixers

We aim to host professional gatherings designed to foster meaningful relationships, collaboration opportunities, and knowledge sharing among community members.

Service Referrals

We plan to connect individuals to vetted professionals, including legal services, accounting, marketing specialists, and other business support services.

Family Literacy Programs

Building Stronger Communities Through Education

DFW BOBN leads a literacy initiative that transforms community spaces into hubs of learning and growth. Powered by dedicated volunteers, we deliver cost-effective, high-impact programs that expand literacy access for families, adults, seniors, and justice-impacted individuals. Our mission is to strengthen literacy outcomes across the DFW metroplex, creating pathways to education, empowerment, and opportunity for all.

Adults to Empower

We aim to reach adults through our "Pages of Power Adult Literacy Program," fostering increased reading confidence and skill development.

Families to Engage

Our plan is to enroll families in the "Chapters Together Family Literacy" program, encouraging parents and children to participate and learn together.

Seniors to Connect

We envision engaging seniors through "Wisdom Circles," promoting improved social connection and vibrant literacy engagement.

Books to Disperse

We hope to distribute books to incarcerated individuals and their families through our dedicated prison literacy programs, promoting lifelong learning.

Six Core Literacy Program

Chapters Together

Family Literacy: Weekly library-based sessions where parents and children can read together, engage in journaling activities, and participate in storytelling to strengthen family bonds while building essential literacy skills.

Pages of Power

Adult Literacy: We offer small-group workshops focused on functional reading and writing skills, including resume preparation, bill management, and digital literacy to empower adults for everyday life success.

Wisdom Circles & Story Exchange

Senior Literacy: Book clubs and intergenerational storytelling sessions that connect seniors with local students, fostering community connections and shared learning experiences.

Second Chapter

Incarcerated Parent Literacy: Parents in correctional facilities can record themselves reading books for their children, maintaining vital family connections while promoting literacy development.

Turning Pages

Books for Incarcerated Individuals: Educational and recreational reading materials to currently incarcerated individuals through by request .

Comprehensive Support

Coaching & Resources: Our aspiration is to provide ongoing literacy coaching and resource provision, supporting all program participants in their educational journey and skill development.

Microgrants

Funding Your Dreams

The DFW BOBN Microgrant Program is designed to empower Black- and minority-owned businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs across the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Through this initiative, we provide direct financial support, mentorship, and access to valuable community resources that help turn ideas into sustainable enterprises.

More than just funding, this program creates a platform for innovation and collaboration. Applicants have the opportunity to share their vision, connect with community members, and showcase how their business or project can make a meaningful impact. By combining financial investment with mentorship and public engagement, the microgrant program uplifts entrepreneurs while strengthening the economic and social fabric of our community.

Application Process

DFW BOBN invites Black- and minority-owned small businesses, as well as individuals with entrepreneurial goals, to apply for our microgrant program. Applications must include a business plan, financial projections, and a community impact statement. All submissions are reviewed by our Grant Committee to ensure alignment with our mission of fostering growth, sustainability, and equity.

Review & Selection

Finalists will be invited to participate in a public community showcase, where applicants will pitch their ideas before an audience of peers, community members, and local leaders. The audience will cast votes to help determine the grant recipient, ensuring that community voice is at the heart of the selection process.

Award & Support

Selected recipients will receive microgrant funding along with continued mentorship and access to DFW BOBN’s network of resources. Beyond financial support, our goal is to equip grantees with the tools, guidance, and connections needed to achieve long-term success and maximize community impact.

Upcoming Events

Our vision includes fostering a vibrant community through planned networking events, enriching workshops, and celebratory gatherings. We aim for these initiatives to build strong relationships, facilitate knowledge sharing, and generate new opportunities for collaboration and growth, as we envision what DFW BOBN can achieve.

Networking Mixers

Regularly Scheduled Opportunities

We aim to create consistent opportunities for entrepreneurs to connect, exchange ideas, and foster collaborative conversations in a welcoming atmosphere, building a stronger business network.

Business Expos

Community Showcases

We plan to organize expos that allow members to showcase their businesses to the broader community and discover services offered by fellow network members, including vendor booths and insightful presentations.

Skills Workshop Series

Ongoing Educational Initiatives

Our goal is to provide deep-dive educational sessions covering crucial topics like digital marketing, financial management, legal compliance, and strategic planning, facilitated by experts to empower our members.

Annual Community Celebration

A Future Occasion for Recognition

Annual celebrations to honor the accomplishments of our members, recognize outstanding community contributors, and inspire continued growth and impact for the coming years.

Partnership Opportunities

We believe in the power of collaboration to amplify our impact. Partner with DFW BOBN to support economic development, educational initiatives, and community empowerment throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Our goal is to achieve this vision through strong, future-focused partnerships.

Corporate Partnerships

We aim to establish corporate partnerships with large organizations, seeking their support through financial contributions, resource sharing, mentorship programs, and employee volunteer opportunities that will create meaningful community impact.

Educational Collaborations

Our goal is to foster educational collaborations with schools, colleges, and universities. We plan to provide real-world business experience, internship opportunities, and essential educational resources that will benefit students and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

Nonprofit Alliances

We envision forming strong nonprofit alliances, joining forces with other community organizations to maximize collective resources, reduce duplication of services, and create comprehensive support systems for individuals and families in need.

Government Relations

We plan to engage in active government relations, working with local and state agencies to advocate for policy changes, secure vital public funding, and ensure our programs align effectively with broader economic development initiatives.

Community Impact

We envision our work creating profound ripple effects throughout the DFW community. From fostering significant job creation and enhancing literacy, to promoting family stability and driving economic growth, every program and service we offer is designed to contribute to building a stronger, more equitable region.

Empowering Businesses

We aim to support a growing number of local businesses, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to thrive and expand.

Creating Opportunities

Our goal is to facilitate the creation of new job opportunities, empowering individuals with sustainable livelihoods and contributing to economic vitality.

Strengthening Families

We plan to serve families by offering programs that enhance financial literacy, stability, and overall well-being.

Fostering Growth

We envision reaching a broad audience through educational workshops and training sessions, equipping community members with valuable skills for personal and professional development.

We aim for these initiatives to empower real people, transforming lives across the DFW metroplex. Our goal is to see every family achieve greater financial stability, every supported business expand and create new opportunities, and every individual gain the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams.

This is our vision for a future where DFW BOBN plays a pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous community for all.

Get Involved

There are many ways to join our mission of empowering businesses, uplifting families, and building legacy in the DFW community. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a professional, a volunteer, or a supporter, we have opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Become a Member

We invite you to become a member of our growing network of entrepreneurs and professionals. Our aim is to provide unparalleled access to programs, resources, and connections designed to accelerate your success and amplify collective impact within the DFW community.

Volunteer Your Time

We envision a community strengthened by shared knowledge and expertise. Our plan is for volunteers to share their skills, mentoring entrepreneurs, facilitating workshops, and supporting key programs. Your time will be invaluable in changing lives and building a stronger DFW.

Attend Our Events

We plan to host a vibrant calendar of events, including networking mixers, educational workshops, community celebrations, and business expos. Our goal is to foster relationships and knowledge sharing that strengthens our entire ecosystem and helps build a thriving DFW.

Support Our Mission

To achieve our ambitious goals, we rely on the generous support of our community. We aim to secure financial contributions, event sponsorships, and in-kind resources that will enable us to expand our programs and serve even more DFW community members effectively.

Contact Information

Email: hello@dfwbobn.org

Phone: 817-471-0946

Location: Mansfield, Texas

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Follow Our Journey

We invite you to follow our journey and witness the unfolding impact of our mission. Stay connected with our upcoming programs, inspiring stories, and evolving community impact through our social media channels and newsletter as we work towards our goals.

Ready to Build Legacy Together?

Join the Movement

The DFW Black Owned Business Network is more than an organization – we're a community of change-makers committed to our vision of creating economic equity, educational opportunity, and generational wealth in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

For Entrepreneurs

We aim to provide entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and network connections they need to build thriving, sustainable businesses that create jobs and strengthen their communities.

For Professionals

Our goal is to empower professionals to develop new skills, expand their network, and contribute their expertise to initiatives that will create lasting positive change throughout the DFW region.

For Community Partners

DFW BOBN is committed to building powerful collaborations with community partners to expand impact, reach underserved populations, and drive sustainable change. By working together, we leverage shared resources, expertise, and networks to strengthen local businesses, uplift families, and collectively build a stronger economic foundation for a more equitable and thriving future.

For Families

Through family-centered literacy initiatives, we aim to increase access to educational opportunities while nurturing the values of togetherness and lifelong learning. Whether it is parents reading with their children, grandparents passing down stories, or families engaging in community-based literacy events, DFW BOBN works to transform literacy into a tool for connection, resilience, and legacy building.

Contact us at hello@dfwbobn.org or call 817-471-0946

© 2025 DFW Black Owned Business Network | 501(c)(3) Nonprofit | EIN: 39-3013260 | Donations are tax-deductible.

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