Get the Advice You Need

Get top-tier advice on the real-time issues affecting your business from a network of professional advisors with deep industry experience. This is a six-month scholarship program for Naturally Bay Area member brands to participate in the TIG Collective, a Naturally Bay Area partner. In this program, you’ll learn how to work with boards and advisors to get the support you need to grow your brand and build a resilient business.

How it Works

The Naturally Bay Area selection committee will review applications twice a year, selecting up to five brands at a time to join the TIG Collective on a scholarship basis. The committee will be seeking founders who have identified an addressable market and have the ability to scale now or in the future. We are looking for hustle, innovation, and an interest in developing their network. We are looking to support a diverse group of founders and also looking for brands who have expressed a commitment to J.E.D.I. (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) principles in their business. 

This no-strings-attached scholarship is for a 6-month participation period in the TIG Collective, a program that connects entrepreneurs with advisors—professionals with a proven track record of success and deep industry experience. The program offers workshops to develop the skills needed to best work with advisors as well as direct access to designated advisors through email and one-and-one sessions to get the help you need now. And you’ll be looped into the eTardigrade Community which provides access to a network of peers, TIG Brands Online Community, TIG Brands Educational Modules and Programming, and weekly Workshops and Mastermind Calls. 

At the end of the 6-month program, as long as brands are in good standing, they will be given the opportunity to sign the TIG Collective Advisory Agreement & join the membership program for continued access to advisors and resources.

Read more in our FAQs about the program below.

Apply Now

Applications are currently closed, we will put out a new call for applications for the fall cohort in summer 2023.

Advisory Program FAQ’s

  • How will my brand benefit from the Advisory Program?
    The Naturally Bay Area Advisory Program by TIG Brands is a unique opportunity to learn the skills to work effectively with advisors and get connected to a network of advisors who can start supporting you immediately, at no expense at all. During the six-month program, you’ll participate in educational workshops, 1-on-1 meetings with advisors, as well access to your advisors by email.
  • What kind of expertise is being provided through the advisors? Advisors will offer a range of expertise, including product development, marketing, branding, e-commerce, legal, innovation, finance & growth.
  • Do I have to be a member of Naturally Bay Area to apply?
    Yes, for this scholarship program, you need to be a paid member of Naturally Bay Area and must be a Northern California-based company to participate. Sign up for membership here.
  • What are the expectations for my company?
    Selected brands are expected to participate in educational workshops, utilize advisors’ time in a respectful manner, share the challenges they are facing, and be open to receiving advice.
  • Do the advisors get a stake in my company?
    No, the advisors have volunteered their time for the brands joining the program through this scholarship opportunity. At the end of the 6-month program, brands in good standing will have the opportunity to join the TIG Collective and continue to get support. Only at that time will revenue share be discussed.
  • What is the advisors’ commitment level?
    Advisors have pledged a commitment to the program and will be available to participating brands for scheduled 1-on-1 meetings and by email and phone.
  • How much does my company have to pay for Naturally Bay Area’s Advisory Program?
    Nothing! By being a paid member of Naturally Bay Area, you are eligible to apply for this 6-month scholarship program.
  • When will the Advisory Program begin?
    Applications are currently closed, we’ll put out a call for applications for the fall cohort in Summer 2023.
  • Don’t see your question? Ask us anything at advisory-program@naturallybayarea.org

 

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