What are key ingredients needed to launch a sustainable chapter?

The process of starting a TiE Chapter is very much like launching a new venture with the nuances of being a non-profit organization. The key ingredients to launching a sustainable Chapter include a charismatic leader and committed team, developing a strategic focus for the chapter, hire of a talented Executive Director, good governance, consistent meetings, strong base of sponsorship and a strategic collaboration to expand membership and chapter's reach.

What is considered good governance?

Governance is at the core of any chapter. Ensure the required governance documents (affiliation agreement and Chapter Bylaws) are completed. The Affiliation agreement binds your Chapter to TiE and recognizes it as an official Chapter of TiE.
Chapter By laws define the processes and requirements of your Chapter. Local registration is a legal requirement which all Chapters are obliged to complete. Ensure these documents are prepared at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance of your submission for Chapter Approval to TiE Global.

Why is sourcing for sponsorships an important ingredient in the formation of a new chapter?

This is to cover the costs of the Chapter during the formative stages. In the initial months of formation the Chapter expenses are normally covered by the core team. When it comes time to hire an executive director to begin planning for the launch you can, in addition to the core team, begin by tapping into the networks of the core team to identify initial corporate sponsors.

The money they will provide in the few months of the Chapter formation is considered Seed Funding until the Chapter is officially approved and launched. The corporate sponsors believe in the potential of TIE and will be positioned to benefit from access to the soon to be TiE Chapter network of Charter members and Members.

Common first sponsors include: venture capital firms, law firms, accounting firms and new startups that will all benefit from association with the TiE Brand and access to the current and potential network.