A recent consolidation in the Northern California Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will bring new opportunities for Sacramento startups to access Silicon Valley via San Francisco-based Tech Futures Group. Tech Futures Group (TFG) is an SBDC program focusing exclusively on advising qualified technology clients located in the NorCal SBDC network coverage area.
Funded by the Small Business Administration and State of California, TFG is a non-profit that offers 100% free business advising to startups and entrepreneurs, taking no equity or cash. TFG focuses on helping technology startups raise capital from investors as well as government grants, and government loans. In addition to helping to raise capital they help entrepreneurs form strong organizational, marketing, and operating strategies.
TFG has a very strong team of advisors who provide mentorship, deep knowledge, and experience in all aspects of starting and running successful technology companies. Primary advisors are the eight entrepreneurs-in-residence (EIR) – serial entrepreneurs who have had at least one good exit. Several of the EIRs are partners in venture capital firms or active in angel networks.
How Does it Work
Intrigued and want to find out more? Here’s the quick rundown
- Free for company to join
- Simple online application to apply
- If accepted, you’ll be assigned an advisor.
- Your assigned advisor can then work within his/her network to connect you with other advisors and investors
- You need to have an MVP or product in beta
- The program is focused on tech startups but is industry agnostic
