FORT WORTH, Texas — Tarrant County College has received a $225,000 workforce development grant from CDFI Friendly Fort Worth to broaden its Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) initiatives to foster small business ownership and economic growth.
TCC’s ETA Accelerator and Bootcamp programs prepare aspiring entrepreneurs to acquire and operate established, cash-flowing businesses. Through this partnership, TCC provides financial support to qualified program graduates, helping them transition into business ownership.
“This partnership is a powerful example of how community colleges and mission-driven organizations can collaborate to drive inclusive economic development,” said TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc.
Disbursement amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000. Eligible recipients must successfully complete a TCC ETA Accelerator or Bootcamp and be a Fort Worth resident or own or acquire a business within Fort Worth city limits. Residents or businesses in designated enterprise zones receive priority consideration.
“This grant represents a strategic investment in Fort Worth’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Richard Chance, dean of TCC Lifestyle & Community Learning. “By equipping local residents with the tools, training and capital needed to acquire existing businesses, we’re strengthening pathways to economic mobility and community wealth.”
CDFI Friendly Fort Worth is an independent, not-for-profit organization of community development financial institutions, or CDFIs, that addresses Fort Worth businesses’ financing needs. A community-centered board provides oversight.
“Given the projected and current pace for growth in Fort Worth, entrepreneurs are excited about being a part of it,” said CDFI Executive Director Glenn Forbes. “Key to small business sustainability will be investing in established entities as much as new upstart ventures.”
Over the next five years CDFI Friendly Fort Worth wants to bring at least $250 million in flexible, affordable debt to undercapitalized small-business owners, affordable housing and commercial real estate developers, nonprofits and consumers.
For more information about TCC’s upcoming ETA Accelerator, visit https://tccd.news/eta.
Celebrating 60 years of excellence and impact in 2025, Tarrant County College is one of the nation’s largest higher education institutions and boasts the second lowest tuition of Texas’ Top 10 community colleges. A comprehensive community college with six campuses in Tarrant County, TCC offers a range of opportunities for learners of all ages and backgrounds.