How the Program Works
Partnership Development
Before a Fellow is placed, TDI partners with local cross-sector teams to build readiness. Over four months, participants engage in guided learning modules, receive hands-on support from MassDevelopment staff, and access early funding to jumpstart progress.
TDI District in Development
Designated districts receive a three-year commitment that includes a fully funded TDI Fellow, tailored technical assistance, small grants, TDI Equity eligibility, and a structured Fellowship experience from onboarding through completion.
Gateway Network
After graduation, districts stay connected through a statewide network of peers. The Network offers shared tools like the Playbook, Learning Tracks, Knowledge Café, and regional gatherings to keep learning and collaboration going.
TDI Uses An Accelerator Model
We commit intensive resources to a district for a defined time—simultaneously working on real estate development, small business stability and growth, arts, and cultural amenities, placemaking, and targeted technical assistance and strategic planning. This work is laid on a platform of community engagement and partnership development; we require that cities assemble a cross-sector partnership to apply in the first place, and over the course of the program we work to make the partnership more representative of the neighborhood and use it as a platform to grow sustaining, working relationships.
Tools That Drive District Transformation
TDI deploys a set of tools and investments into each district, collaborating with local partners to support progress over time.
TDIFellow
An embedded mid-career practitioner who brings economic development expertise and helps facilitate collaboration and network organization across the district.
Partnership Development
A local cross-sector TDI Partnership of community leaders guides district strategy, defines goals, and governs the program's direction.
TDI Co-Investment & Technical Assistance
TDI uses a co-investment approach to support districts through small business and real estate investments, along with tailored technical assistance, leveraging in-kind contributions and local partner resources to advance district priorities.
Creative Economy Initiatives
Enhancing the outsized impact that the creative and cultural economies have on Gateway City downtowns and commercial districts.
Grow your knowledge of TDI!
Check out our new Gateway Network page to learn more about work after the accelerator.
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