Navigating the Entrepreneur Support Ecosystem

Hayden Blackburn

June 9, 2023

Founding a new business is a great challenge, but you don’t need to face it alone. Fort Worth has a rich ecosystem upon which you can draw including: mentors, investors, universities, service providers, government, corporations, and media. Depending on whether you are focusing on rapid growth and scaling and, ultimately, an exit or on organic, profitable growth with a good work/life balance, there are mentors, experts, and even volunteers ready to help.

Hayden Blackburn has centered his career around social entrepreneurship and economic development. Most of us imagine a dream job; as Executive Director of TechFW and Director of Cowtown Angels, Hayden is in his. He is passionate about helping people realize their dreams and creating a positive impact in the world. Hayden coaches entrepreneurs commercializing innovative technologies, facilitates connections between entrepreneurs and angel investors, partners with universities to commercialize technologies, and is a leader in the development of an entrepreneurial culture and mindset across the DFW region. He has helped organized multiple community staples for entrepreneurs, including Startup Weekend and 1 Million Cups Fort Worth.