Dream Exchange announced that Dwain Kyles, Managing Member of DX Capital Partners, LLC, will represent the company at the inaugural 'Built Different' Entrepreneur Dinner in Chicago on July 10, 2026. The event aims to address the critical gap in capital access for small to mid-sized business enterprises (SMEs). This initiative is particularly relevant as the total number of publicly listed companies on U.S. stock exchanges has fallen by nearly 50% since 1996, disproportionately affecting early-stage and minority-owned businesses.

The 'Built Different' dinner series serves as a platform for entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic empowerment. It features curated dining experiences, panel discussions, and business matchmaking opportunities. Lorri Dotson, Creator of Build Different and a past recipient of the NBCC & Dream Exchange Entrepreneurship Award, emphasized the event's focus on authentic conversations with leaders who have built success on their own terms.

Dream Exchange is actively engaging with local business ecosystems to connect with entrepreneurs who stand to benefit from a more inclusive financial system. Kyles highlighted that SME entrepreneurs often lack access to public capital despite having talent and drive. He stated that the goal of Dream Exchange and DX Capital Partners is to build market infrastructure to close this gap.

To improve capital access, Dream Exchange is championing the enactment of a new law to create venture exchanges. These specialized marketplaces are designed for early-stage and emerging growth companies. The proposed venture exchanges aim to provide tailored marketplaces, restore the small-cap IPO market, and expand wealth creation opportunities for retail investors.

Joe Cecala, Founder and CEO of Dream Exchange, noted that current capital markets are not designed to serve the majority of everyday American businesses. He emphasized that advocating for laws like the Main Street Growth Act would create a transparent, regulated pathway for SMEs to access public capital. Dream Exchange remains committed to expanding entrepreneurship and economic equality through legislative advocacy and community engagement.

Dream Exchange is re-filing its Form 1 application with the Securities and Exchange Commission to register as a national securities exchange. The company aims to facilitate the trading of securities in the national market system while providing an 'on-ramp' for SMEs to access public markets once venture exchanges are established.