The Dallas/Ft. Worth Capital Fund (DFWCF) was established in 2003 as an organization providing workforce instruction, educational and training opportunities and low-cost housing, primarily to residents of rural regions in Texas. More recently, with the events of Hurricane Katrina, it has expanded its operations into southwestern Mississippi under the name "The Capital Fund - Mississippi," with intentions to serve as a venture capital fund that invests in higher-risk, emerging technology projects and products, and offers grant and bridge loan funding to businesses along the Gulf Coast. DFWCF will use the $100,000 Technical Assistance Award to cover salary expenses for its first paid staff person, engage consultants to help develop CDFI policies, procedures and a capitalization plan, and to train board in effective CDFI governance. This award will help DFWCF on its path to achieving full CDFI certification status within two years.