Vista Bank proudly announced an alliance with the South Dallas Fair Park (SDFP) Innovation Center, a collaboration between Southern Dallas Progress Community Development Corporation and Foundations Entrepreneur Development Company. This transformative partnership marks a significant milestone in the efforts to elevate the South Dallas community through the power of small business.
The SDFP Innovation Center will serve as a community-focused workspace for entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, from pre-venture through the growth stage. The organization will provide direct resources, education and programming on business model formation, cost and revenue structure, hiring, regulation, marketing and more with the goal of reframing entrepreneurship as a viable career path for creating generational wealth.
One of the region’s top commercial lenders, Vista will be a pivotal partner with the SDFP Innovation Center, providing space in its new 11,000 square foot South Dallas location at 3225 Martin Luther King Blvd. The Bank’s $3 million investment in the community includes a Financial Literacy Center for trainings, as well as the finish out and furnishing of SDFP Innovation Center’s new space, meant to inspire and facilitate networking and entrepreneurship.
James McGee, President of Southern Dallas Progress Community Development Corporation, quarterbacked the formation of the partnership. His organization’s mission is to empower, enable and support community members in their efforts to revitalize the Southern Dallas communities and neighborhoods.
“Investing in the South Dallas area has long been overlooked when it comes to access to quality banking services,” McGee said. “Small business leaders willing to put in the work need the tools and resources that Darlisa’s team will provide as well as access to funding once they qualify. The partnership with Vista Bank is a testament to the collective commitment from all parties at the table to bring positive change to our community.”
“Successful entrepreneurs aren’t born in a moment,” added Vista Bank President and CEO John D. Steinmetz. “They are developed through mentorship and education, grit, and determination. The truth is, anyone can come up with an idea, but few can execute successfully. Darlisa and James get it – they’ve been doing this work in the community for years and we are humbled to partner with them. We all know this is a 20-year plan and we are four years in, but the pieces are coming together to train up a generation of entrepreneurs that will lead Dallas forward for generations to come.”
Darlisa Diltz, Chief Entrepreneurship Strategist of Foundations EDC, brings a wealth of experience in community focused entrepreneurship to the table. As the first for-profit business, black and woman-owned organization of its kind in the area, Foundations EDC is poised to make a significant impact on the South Dallas entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“We are thrilled to partner with Vista Bank to drive economic development and job creation in South Dallas,” Diltz said. “We know from experience that entrepreneurs thrive best in supportive environments where essential business training is offered on a consistent basis. Direct access to such environments helps entrepreneurs navigate early-stage challenges more effectively, thus creating a functional path to sustainability. We can’t wait to partner with Vista Bank to holistically equip area entrepreneurs for success, thus elevating the whole community.”
