The Schuylkill Chamber Foundation and Wise Owl Consulting have announced the launch of Ignite Schuylkill, an entrepreneurial development competition aimed at supporting and nurturing emerging entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses.
This business contest follows in the footsteps of the successful Launch Pottsville competition, which, so far, has seen 3 new businesses open or nearly open since a winner was announced.
The competition focuses on investing in human capital and fostering a community where new businesses can succeed and thrive, aligning with the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation’s mission to enhance the development of Schuylkill County through leadership development, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship.
Bob Carl, president of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, said, “Developing new entrepreneurs is crucial for the growth and sustainability of communities.” The 16-week program offers educational courses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Guest lecturers comprising established business owners will share their expertise and insights, while local business owners will mentor participants through the challenges of starting a business.
A similar entrepreneurial program for high school students, Spark Schuylkill, is set to be announced in the fall of 2023. The Ignite Schuylkill program will culminate in a Shark Tank-style live competition, with details on the official competition rules and format to be released in June 2023. Participating entrepreneurs will receive startup capital to help fund their businesses.
Savas Logothetides, principal consultant of Wise Owl Consulting, highlighted the importance of the program: “Ignite Schuylkill is more than just a business plan competition; it’s a chance for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, receive valuable feedback and resources, and take their business ideas to the next level.”
Pre-applications for Ignite Schuylkill will be accepted starting in June, with more information to be available at http://www.schuylkillchamber.com/igniteschuylkill in the coming weeks. Updates will also be posted on the Ignite Schuylkill Facebook page.
Businesses interested in contributing capital to support the startup of participating companies are encouraged to contact Savas Logothetides or Samantha Chivinski at the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.
