About this programme
AssistTN is a Fund Tennessee program that helps businesses navigate their options and access key business services so they are prepared to receive capital when the time is right. It is not a source of funding itself, but a route into technical assistance and preparation for Fund Tennessee's other capital programs.
It works through two components: the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC), which provides legal, accounting and financial advisory support, and the Tri-Star Angels Program (TAP), which trains prospective angel investors and connects them with Tennessee entrepreneurs.
How it works
Through TSBDC, AssistTN offers legal support (business formation, contract readiness, capital-related legal guidance), accounting help (financial statements, digitized records, accounting best-practice advising), financial advisory (financial management support, investor-ready plans and models, capital-access strategy), and general training resources.
Through TAP, AssistTN offers a structured angel-investing curriculum built on Angel Capital Association courses, networking with entrepreneurs and investors statewide, and industry-recognized certifications in angel investing. TAP's 2026 schedule runs an 'Angel Investing Basics' track from September 22 to November 3 (six courses: Fundamentals, Risk Assessment, Returns/Portfolio Strategy, Due Diligence, Term Sheets, and Valuation, held 5-7pm EST / 4-6pm CST) followed by an 'Angel Investing Deeper Dive' track from November 10 to December 8 (five advanced courses, open only to those who complete the basics).
Who can apply
For TSBDC services: Tennessee businesses or entrepreneurs preparing for Fund Tennessee capital programs, assessed against TSBDC's eligibility requirements.
For TAP: applicants must reside in Tennessee, apply and be accepted into the cohort, identify as a small business owner, entrepreneur, or investor (including SEDI/VSB businesses), and commit to completing six required basic courses before accessing four additional advanced courses.
How to apply
- For TSBDC: assess your legal, accounting or financial needs and review eligibility, then complete the online advising request form (10-15 minutes), providing business details, ownership information, employee count, and a description of the assistance needed. A TSBDC advisor will contact you with next steps.
- For TAP: apply through the online form during an open application period; courses are delivered live online with on-demand options.
Frequently asked
Does AssistTN give out money?
No. It helps you navigate your options and access business services so you are prepared to receive funding when the time is right, through TSBDC's advisory services and TAP's angel-investor training.
What kind of help does TSBDC offer?
Legal support, accounting help, financial advisory (including investor-ready plans and models), and general training resources.
What is the Tri-Star Angels Program (TAP)?
A training track for prospective angel investors, built on Angel Capital Association courses, that also networks investors with entrepreneurs across Tennessee and offers industry-recognized certification.
Is there a cost to join TAP?
Courses are described as offered for a limited time at no cost, with recordings available for a limited time for those unable to attend live.
Who can apply to TAP?
Tennessee residents who apply and are accepted into the cohort, and who identify as a small business owner, entrepreneur, or investor, including SEDI/VSB businesses, and who commit to completing the six basic courses.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.