Page 18 - TMCF 2023 Annual Report

SO. AMBITIOUS HBCU TOUR
The SO. Ambitious HBCU Tour provides a collaborative platform leveraging the training resources of three
key partners, TMCF, Black Ambition and Techstars. The program visits between five and eight HBCU campuses nationwide to deliver entrepreneurial training, mentorship and business pitch events. This initiative empowers
and uplifts the HBCU community, addressing its underrepresentation in the startup ecosystem. By inspiring potential entrepreneurs and providing a pathway to action, the tour fosters connections between the HBCU network and a broader network of allies and resources.
At each tour stop, participating student founders will have the opportunity to compete for up to $15,000 in cash prizes. Additionally, winners gain access to software, co-working spaces and other essential resources designed to position them for long-term success in their entrepreneurial journeys.
TRUIST INNOVATION CHALLENGE
The TMCF I&E team partnered with Truist to develop the 2023 Truist Innovation Challenge. The Truist Innovation Challenge was a four-day business pitch competition where students come together to tackle real world challenges in the financial services industry and present their innovative solutions to a panel of expert judges. Students from HBCUs were selected to participate in the pitch competition and placed on cross- functional teams. Students gained experience in venture ideation, business model canvas, pitching, and intra- and entrepreneurship. Participants also engaged with executives, business leaders and HBCU alumni at Truist.
18 2023 ANNUAL REPORT