As a way to "ignite" local economic development, the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation unveiled last year, the IGNITE Schuylkill program, which is now generously supported by a $100,000 grant pool.
This initiative is tailored for emerging entrepreneurs, aiming to provide support and guidance for the growth of early-stage businesses.
The IGNITE Schuylkill program sets out to revolutionize economic development by investing in human capital, creating a conducive environment for emerging businesses to flourish.
Robert S. Carl, Jr., President of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, expressed excitement about the launch, emphasizing the importance of nurturing new entrepreneurs for community growth and sustainability.
The 16-week educational component of IGNITE Schuylkill is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with coursework on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Established business owners will act as guest lecturers, sharing valuable insights, while local business owners will serve as mentors, guiding participants through the challenges of starting a business.
The program will culminate in a live competition, reminiscent of Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs stand a chance to win a guaranteed award of at least $100,000. This competition aligns with IGNITE Schuylkill's focus on boosting the local economy by strengthening Schuylkill County's business community in both density and quality.
Entrepreneurs participating in the program will receive startup capital to fund their businesses. The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce announced this week the collection of a $100,000 grant pool, with generous contributions from community investors.
Kenneth Huebner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Schuylkill Economic Development Center (SEDCO), highlighted SEDCO's commitment as a top program contributor and the named Program Sponsor.
The IGNITE Schuylkill program sets out to revolutionize economic development by investing in human capital, creating a conducive environment for emerging businesses to flourish.
Robert S. Carl, Jr., President of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, expressed excitement about the launch, emphasizing the importance of nurturing new entrepreneurs for community growth and sustainability.
The 16-week educational component of IGNITE Schuylkill is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with coursework on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Established business owners will act as guest lecturers, sharing valuable insights, while local business owners will serve as mentors, guiding participants through the challenges of starting a business.
The program will culminate in a live competition, reminiscent of Shark Tank, where entrepreneurs stand a chance to win a guaranteed award of at least $100,000. This competition aligns with IGNITE Schuylkill's focus on boosting the local economy by strengthening Schuylkill County's business community in both density and quality.
Entrepreneurs participating in the program will receive startup capital to fund their businesses. The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce announced this week the collection of a $100,000 grant pool, with generous contributions from community investors.
Kenneth Huebner, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Schuylkill Economic Development Center (SEDCO), highlighted SEDCO's commitment as a top program contributor and the named Program Sponsor.
"Since its inception in 1952, the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) has aimed to stimulate and influence the process of economic development, improve the quality of life, and raise the standard of living for Schuylkill County communities and its residents", said Huebner.
Local entrepreneurs are eagerly investing in and supporting the program, recognizing its potential to spark new economic development in Schuylkill County. Bill Metzinger, President of Metz Properties and CEO of Red, White and Blue Autos, praised the program.
"I could not be more impressed by this program and of the tools it brings to current and future entrepreneurs, Metzinger said. “I personally think it’s vital for us to grow and prosper in order to not only have talented and successful people coming from out of the area to live in Schuylkill County, but also retain our homegrown, best and brightest."
As a program sponsor, the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation has already committed $63,000 to the IGNITE Schuylkill program. Other program sponsors and contributors include the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, PPL Foundation, Metz Properties, Red, White & Blue Autos, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Hydro, Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne, Penn State Schuylkill, The Evans Network of Companies, The M&T Charitable Foundation, Tobash Financial Solutions, and Walmart.
Interested businesses can contribute capital to support startup ventures in the IGNITE Schuylkill program. For more information and updates, interested individuals can visit Schuylkill Chamber's IGNITE Schuylkill page or follow updates on the Ignite Schuylkill Facebook page. Pre-applications for Ignite Schuylkill will be accepted until February 16th, 2024 at 4:00pm.
As a program sponsor, the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation has already committed $63,000 to the IGNITE Schuylkill program. Other program sponsors and contributors include the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, PPL Foundation, Metz Properties, Red, White & Blue Autos, D.G. Yuengling & Son, Hydro, Alvernia University Pottsville CollegeTowne, Penn State Schuylkill, The Evans Network of Companies, The M&T Charitable Foundation, Tobash Financial Solutions, and Walmart.
Interested businesses can contribute capital to support startup ventures in the IGNITE Schuylkill program. For more information and updates, interested individuals can visit Schuylkill Chamber's IGNITE Schuylkill page or follow updates on the Ignite Schuylkill Facebook page. Pre-applications for Ignite Schuylkill will be accepted until February 16th, 2024 at 4:00pm.