As the only community college in Texas to receive the prestigious Everyday Entrepreneurship Venture Fund Phase Two award from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and its initial sponsors, Chip and Stuart Weismiller, Tarrant County College is supporting local entrepreneurs by helping them start or grow their own business with a grant plus professional support and mentorship. The application deadline for the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund is Friday, Nov. 13, 2020.
Last June, TCC received the award to provide seed funding to entrepreneurs who are women, people of color, veterans and others who do not qualify for traditional business financing. TCC expects to award up to 20 EEVF grants after the first application cycle.
Underscoring the College’s commitment to serving the community, TCC will provide budding entrepreneurs and new small business owners with funding, mentorship and business advising to ensure their ventures start healthy and stay competitive. Additionally, EEVF Award recipients will be required to participate in educational workshops that cover every phase of the business lifecycle, from birth through maturity. This is critical because small businesses create two-thirds of all new jobs in America.
“Our participation in Phase Two of the pilot continues to amplify the College’s impact in creating new businesses and jobs to support a national economic recovery in the years to come,” said TCC Chancellor Eugene Giovannini.
Eligibility Requirements
Tell Us – Applicants must be Tarrant County residents and need to provide:
- A business plan including feasibility and financial projections of 1-2 years
- Proof that a legal business entity (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp or non-profit) has been formed
- Proof that a commercial bank account has been opened
- A current resume and two letters of reference
- A cover letter that outlines the financial request. Please explain how funding would be allocated, if approved. The letter must include a commitment to attend TCC’s educational workshops for entrepreneurs/small businesses for 12 months following receipt of funding and a stated commitment to actively participate in TCC’s Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund mentorship program.
Show Us – Applicants must provide:
- Link to existing company website or wireframe of intended website
- Sales video (3 minutes or less) to pitch the concept
Complete the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund application
All applications will be reviewed by the Tarrant County College EEVF Funding Committee, with applicants being notified of their status after formal review. Finalists will be invited to participate in an interview with the Funding Committee during the first week in December 2020. Applicants not selected will receive feedback to help re-apply for the next cohort.
Note: TCC employees and adjuncts are not eligible to apply.
Need More Information?
Contact the Office of Corporate Solutions and Economic Development: Jennifer Villaire at jennifer.villaire@tccd.edu or 817-515-2561 to learn more about the program.