SBA Growth Acceleration Fund Competition (GAFC) Awardee
Tambourine Innovation Ventures was a 2024 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) winner from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to foster the AI economy.
TIV received a prize for its impactful and inclusive approach to building a collaborative innovation ecosystem that advances small business research and development (R&D) from ideas to market, with a particular focus on AI. As a Stage One Catalyze winner, TIV conducted regional AI ecosystem mapping and implemented a comprehensive SBIR support model.
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Through GAFC funding, we mapped AI stakeholders across the full ecosystem continuum, including academic and research institutions, startup incubators and accelerators, state and local economic development agencies, chambers of commerce and business associations, investor and angel networks, small business support centers, and federal, state, and local innovation and economic development programs.
This work systematically covered organizations including funders, conveners, technical assistance providers, policy and regulatory bodies, commercialization and technology transfer offices, and community-based entrepreneurship support entities. The mapping generated rich, actionable insights into the region’s opportunities and challenges in emerging as an AI hub.
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This effort helped advance SBA’s mission to catalyze an entrepreneurship ecosystem that supports a vibrant AI landscape and strengthened the SBIR applicant pipeline by engaging accelerators, incubators, tech councils, and chambers of commerce.
Our work directly benefited AI-focused SBIR/STTR applicants through specialized services in IP strategy, technology commercialization guidance, and market intelligence. By fostering connections among entrepreneurs, mentors, partners, philanthropies, corporations, investors, and other shared resources, GAFC 2024 supported strategic ecosystem partnerships that build community and organizational capacity for the successful launch, growth, and scale of STEM-based entrepreneurs.
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Our Dedication to Helping Innovators in AI & Beyond
At TIV, we are committed to providing equal opportunities for all entrepreneurs and prioritizing equitable access to resources and support networks for historically underserved communities.
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Our comprehensive support model and robust practice areas encompass mentorship, technical assistance (including IP, technology commercialization, data protection policies/regulations, SBIR/STTR grant application guidance, and TABA commercialization support), market intelligence, funding opportunities, and networks to accelerate AI innovation development and commercialization. This collaborative approach empowers underrepresented AI entrepreneurs pursuing SBIR/STTR funding, aligning innovation acceleration with national security goals while fostering economic growth
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By partnering with TIV, you can help advance the AI innovation ecosystem and support U.S. leadership in responsible AI development. SBIR applicants gain access to our full suite of services, from proposal development to TABA commercialization roadmaps. Our ideal ecosystem partners share our commitment to diversity, collaborative leadership, and fostering innovation through tailored training and mentorship opportunities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and innovative AI landscape.
