About the Cornerstone Center for Economic Opportunity

In March 2020, the Cornerstone Center for Economic Opportunity had its first meeting. Today, more than 140 families and individuals have signed up as ‘client-entrepeneurs.’ CCEO has committed grants to more than 40 entrepreneurs, approaching $150,000.

CCEO works with members of the South Dallas community to start and build businesses that serve the community, as well as provide employment. By working in conjunction with the ministries of Cornerstone Baptist Church and Grace Bible Church, CCEO addresses the many issues facing the South Dallas community, including spiritual, social, economic, addiction, and other at-risk challenges that have stripped residents of the opportunity to improve their lives and the lives of their children.

CCEO helps start and grow small businesses that serve unmet needs of the community, as well as provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment. By building these businesses that are ultimately owned and operated in the community, CCEO hopes to bring new life to the area that is ultimately self-sustaining. This requires services such as helping identify business opportunities, identifying individuals with entrepreneurial gifts, and providing mentoring and financial assistance needed to start and build businesses until they are self-sustaining. 

For over thirty years, Pastor Chris Simmons has led the Cornerstone Baptist Church serving the community surrounding Martin Luther King Blvd. and I-45 in south Dallas. The church has built an impressive array of programs that not only address the spiritual needs of the community, but its economic and social needs as well. Programs include meals, after-school care, housing, medical and dental clinics, among others.

Grace Bible Church in north Dallas has a historical commitment to improving the lives of others in the community. Additionally, it is attended by many who are not only eager to serve, but also have skills and resources that could be invaluable if given the opportunity to serve. 

CCEO has seen that joining these communities to build businesses in the south Dallas community enhances the ministries of both churches while helping improve an area that has been under-served for decades.

How CCEO is making a difference

Recent grants include:

• Life Plate– whole food, plant-based prepared meal and delivery company

• Cornerstone Career Center Inc.– faith-based school providing free vocational training

• Flanagan Transport Services LLC– logistics tracking company

• Solid Rock Contracting LLC– construction company