Rising Tide Initiative

Since 2016, Rising Tide Initiative has helped provide real results for the entrepreneurial community in Fort Worth by helping entrepreneurs cross the valley of death. We demystify the steps it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and provide proven tools and opportunities which help a new business not just survive, but thrive.

About

Since 2016, Rising Tide Initiative (RTI) has helped provide real results for the entrepreneurial community in Fort Worth by helping entrepreneurs cross the valley of death.  We demystify the steps it takes to be a successful entrepreneur and provide proven tools and opportunities which help a new business not just survive, but thrive.  

Created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, RTI was designed to help new business builders tackle the most challenging elements of being an entrepreneur. It’s fueled by a dedicated and passionate team and supported by an entire ecosystem of experienced business builders.  

At RTI, we like to call those first years of starting a business the “Valley of Death.” It’s the space between the launching of a new business and the moment it begins to be profitable, and that gap can be nearly impossible for small business owners to cross on their own. However, with some help and a great deal of focus, it can be crossed successfully

One way we help entrepreneurs cross this valley is through our FORT program.  Fort is a community where those with incredible grit can find the accountability, tools, and capital they need to succeed. Community + Grit + Accountability + Tide Toolbox + Capital = Fort.  This 6-month, free program offers:

  • Premium Office Space – free office space through our premier partner, WeWork
  • Dedicated Mentorship – you work primarily with your assigned mentor through your 6-month journey, meet for group mentorship sessions and meet with SME mentors as needed to help you find the solution you need
  • Multiple Locations – including locations at the Shops at Clearfork and two down-town Fort Worth locations  
  • Exclusive Speakers and education opportunities based on addressing the real issues facing today’s entrepreneurs
  • Custom Curriculum – just-in-time, as-needed education, meeting you where are are.
  • Collaborative Solution Sessions: Utilize all the brains you have and all you can borrow through the cohort problem solving and opportunity ideation sessions

Historical Results from our most recent cohort!

  • 93% completion rate
  • 100% improvement on key company metrics, with up to 3x revenue growth
  • $350,000 worth of goods and services provided to 14 businesses at zero cost.  With the growth of the 2nd cohort, we anticipate a benefit to the community of $500,000.
  • Diverse business type; diverse ownership (women, veteran, profit, non-profit, etc.)
  • $5Million in additional funding secured for our cohort members
  • Over 500 hours donated to our community by cohort members

Be a part of something great  -apply now by going to our website and clicking on FORT

Services Provided

Economic and Site Development

  • Lease Review
  • Economic Forecast

Buying or Selling a Business

  • Purchasing or Selling an Existing Business (Specialty)
  • Valuation (Specialty)

Business Planning

  • Business Plan Consulting (Specialty)
  • Market Plan Development (Specialty)

Financial Resources and Assistance

  • Angel Investment
  • Budget, Financial Statement and Cash Flow Training
  • Equity Funding

Human Resources, Workforce and Talent

  • Hiring and Firing (Specialty)
  • Recruiting (Specialty)
  • Employee Development (Specialty)
  • Retention (Specialty)
  • Policies and Templates (Specialty)

Internship Programs and Student Services

  • Internship Program (Specialty)
  • Student Research Projects (Specialty)
  • Youth Entrepreneurship Education (Specialty)

Legal Services

  • Contract Review (Specialty)
  • Lease Review (Specialty)
  • Patent, Trademark & Copyright Information (Specialty)

Management Issues

  • Leadership/Professional Development (Specialty)
  • Recruiting Assistance (Specialty)

Manufacturing, High Tech, Life Sciences Development

  • Commercialization (Specialty)
  • High Tech Development (Specialty)
  • Industrial Technology Research (Specialty)
  • Life Sciences Development (Specialty)
  • Manufacturing Development (Specialty)
  • Technology Transfer (Specialty)
  • Augmented / Virtual Reality and Holographics (Specialty)

Marketing and Sales

  • Feasibility Studies (Specialty)
  • Market Plan Development and Training (Specialty)

Mentoring

  • Formal Mentoring Programs (Specialty)
  • One-on-One Counseling (Specialty)
  • Peer Mentoring (Specialty)

Networking and Associations

  • Small Business/General (Specialty)

Nonprofit and Social Enterprise

  • Board Development (Specialty)
  • Strategic Planning (Specialty)
  • Technical Services (Specialty)

Space

  • Conference/Meeting and Event Space (Specialty)
  • Coworking (Specialty)

Product Development

  • Patent Information (Specialty)
  • Product Assembly and Packaging (Specialty)
  • Product Design and Development (Specialty)

Starting a Business

  • Feasibility Studies (Specialty)
  • Startup Business Counseling (Specialty)
  • Startup Classes (Specialty)

Technical Assistance

  • Virtual Consulting and Online Services (Specialty)
  • Commercialization (Specialty)
  • Technology Transfer (Specialty)

Training

  • Budget, Cash Flow and Financial Statements Training (Specialty)
  • Business Management Training (Specialty)
  • Business Plan Training and Assistance (Specialty)
  • E-Commerce/Internet Marketing (Specialty)
  • Marketing Plan Training (Specialty)

Accelerators and Incubators

  • Accelerator
  • Incubator

Events and Community Building

  • Hackathon / Startup Week or Weekends
  • Pitch Events
  • Startup Drinks
Contact Information
Kevin Grace