The Big Tex Business Masterclass series was created to support and grow small business entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. This dynamic program, developed by the State Fair of Texas in collaboration with community and industry partners, provides targeted education, mentorship, and real-world exposure to help businesses strengthen their operations and scale sustainably.
The goal of the program is to equip existing businesses with the tools, knowledge, and discipline needed to operate successfully in high-volume environments, while fostering meaningful connections and opportunities for growth and visibility.
Participation in the program does not guarantee acceptance as a State Fair of Texas Food and Beverage Vendor. However, it offers valuable behind-the-scenes insight into Fair operations and a clear understanding of what it takes to be successful in this environment.
This five-month cohort will include 7–10 businesses and will feature a combination of classroom instruction, one-on-one mentoring, and hands-on learning experiences designed to support business development and industry readiness.
Interested applicants must complete an application, participate in a product taste test, and commit to attending all program sessions and mentoring opportunities.
Session Dates and Times:
05.21.26 11:00 am-3:00 pm Taste Testing (One assigned 15-minute time slot)
05.28.26 6:00 pm-8:00 pm Introduction
06.11.26 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
06.25.26 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
07.09.26 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
07.23.26 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
08.06.26 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
08.21.25 Big Tex Choice Awards
09.03.26 6:00 pm-8:00 pm
09.25.26-10.18.26 Varies - Vendor Shadowing/Behind the Scenes
11.03.2026 6:00 pm-8:00 p.m. Graduation
Honoring Mrs. Craft’s Legacy
The Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards were established to honor the enduring legacy of Juanita Craft, a trailblazing civil rights activist whose leadership helped advance integration, including at the State Fair of Texas, as well as universities, restaurants, and theaters throughout the city. Her work opened doors and created opportunities that continue to shape our community today.
Each year, the awards celebrate past, present, and future leaders who embody Ms. Craft’s spirit of service and advocacy. Through this recognition, we honor individuals and organizations across the DFW Metroplex who are advancing equity, justice, and opportunity through meaningful, community-driven action and a steadfast commitment to civil and human rights.
Nomination Criteria & Application Information
Thank you for your interest in nominating an individual or organization for a Juanita Craft Humanitarian Award. These awards honor those who exemplify Mrs. Craft’s lifelong commitment to civil rights, social justice, and community service.
Please review the criteria and award categories carefully prior to completing the nomination application. All submissions will be evaluated with an emphasis on quality and thoughtfulness. In the event a nominee is submitted in multiple categories, the nomination will be reviewed and assigned to the category deemed most appropriate based on the nominee’s impact.
Criteria for Evaluating Nominations
All nominations will be reviewed based on the following considerations:
- Demonstrated impact on the community and sustained, active involvement
- Strong commitment to social justice and civil rights, evidenced through meaningful and notable efforts
- Effective use of time, talent, and resources to address community needs and inequities
- Quality and completeness of the submission, including clarity, detail, and supporting information
Award Categories
Spark Award
Mrs. Craft believed deeply in developing young people as future leaders. This award recognizes a young person between the ages of 14–21 who is making a positive impact in their school, neighborhood, or local community and contributing to a better future for all.
Catalyst Award
This award honors individuals under the age of 40 who are advancing civil and human rights in the DFW Metroplex by creating new initiatives, programs, or opportunities that inspire change and progress.
Visionary Award
Designed to recognize individuals whose current work is making a meaningful and positive impact on civil rights, equity, and community transformation within the DFW Metroplex.
Legacy Award
A lifetime achievement award honoring individuals, families, or organizations that have demonstrated long-standing and sustained contributions to the advancement, understanding, and promotion of civil rights and social justice.
Nomination Application Timeline
Nominations for the Juanita Craft Humanitarian Awards are accepted year-round.
- To be considered for the current award year, applications must be received by July 15th.
- Applications submitted after July 15th will automatically be considered for the following year’s awards.