Capital

Rural Seed Fund

*This program is now fully subscribed. Thanks for your interest!*

Too often, rural communities feel disconnected from the epicenters of economic activity – university, government and big business. They readily accept the conventional wisdom that geographic proximity matters greatly when accessing financial capital for entrepreneurial growth. In fact, the geographic gap between rural and urban communities is far less than the pervasive knowledge gap that exists between entrepreneurs, capital providers and the communities that benefit from their successful collaboration. We envision a Tennessee where rural communities feel connected to the knowledge capital and leadership capital resources wherever they reside in the state. Our  mission is to create this important sense of connectedness between rural entrepreneurs, their communities, and the best knowledge, leadership and financial capital resources in the state so we can deliver the best support services to the most promising entrepreneurs when they need it most.

Therefore, TTDC is proud to announce the FY2011 Pilot Rural Grant Program known as the TTDC Rural Seed Fund.  The purpose of the Fund is to accelerate company development by providing access to early-stage capital to entrepreneurs during the critical stage when they are developing their businesses to the point of readiness for outside investment and/or commercial development. The 2011 program will make grant (non-equity) awards of up to $20,000 to entrepreneurs located in rural areas of Tennessee.To see if you are eligible, click here to enter your business location and see if you qualify.

In addition to direct financial assistance, entrepreneurial support will be provided by one of three organizations who have partnered in TTDC’s Tennessee Enterprise Network (TEN). Each grantee will be required to participate in the education and training programs – with participation tailored to each grantee’s needs and schedule – offered by TEN partners (see Partner list below).  Our partners will also assist each company in finding matching business advisors/mentors and private sector and/or academic research institute expertise to grow their business through TTDC’s TN Mentor Network. 

TEN Partners/Program                                                Region                 Contact Person

Center for Entrepreneurial Growth/Throttle-up           East-TN                  Shawn Carson

Entrepreneur Center/Accelerator                                Mid-TN                    Michael Burcham

TECworks/FastTrac                                                      West-TN                  Jan Bouten

Please read the following solicitation for more information.