Ignite & Spark Small Business Fellowship
Calling All Entrepreneurs, Creatives, and Innovators! We are seeking participants for our 2023/24 Ignite & Spark Small Business Fellowship!
Program Made Possible By:
Program Details
The JUBOH Foundation is excited to announce the Ignite & Spark Fellowship Program! This is a unique, free-of-charge 5-week program for motivated and ambitious business owners, entrepreneurs, innovators, and creatives seeking to enhance their business acumen and gain resources that will take their business to the next level. Each
The Ignite & Spark Fellowship begins on October 4, 2023, and concludes on November 4, 2023. Sessions will be held twice weekly, once every Wednesday at 7 PM (virtual) and once every Saturday at 11 AM (in-person). If you are unable to attend in-person exceptions will be made. Each week, our class will be led by an industry expert in a specific field to discuss various business topics including Business Management, Finances and Funding, Human Resources and Operations, Marketing and Brand Awareness and more.
At the completion of our 5-Week Comprehensive Program, your organization will have the opportunity to pitch your business to a panel of industry experts and corporate executives for the chance to win up to $30,000 in small business grants and the chance to win a brand new Apple iPad mini WiFi 256GB for your business.
The deadline to submit your application is September 28, 2023, at 5 PM EST.
Program Schedule
- October 4, 2023 (7:00 PM ET – 8:30 PM ET): Virtual
- October 9, 2023 (11:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET): In-Person
Our Saturday Session must be attended in person, with the exemption of those who have been granted an exemption waiver by the JUBOH Foundation Program Coordinator.
- October 11, 2023 (7:00 PM ET – 8:30 PM ET): Virtual
- October 14, 2023 (11:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET): In-Person
Our Saturday Session must be attended in person, with the exemption of those who have been granted an exemption waiver by the JUBOH Foundation Program Coordinator.
- October 18, 2023 (7:00 PM ET – 8:30 PM ET): Virtual
- October 21, 2023 (11:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET): In-Person
Our Saturday Session must be attended in person, with the exemption of those who have been granted an exemption waiver by the JUBOH Foundation Program Coordinator.
- October 25, 2023 (7:00 PM ET – 8:30 PM ET): Virtual
- October 28, 2023 (11:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET): In-Person
Our Saturday Session must be attended in person, with the exemption of those who have been granted an exemption waiver by the JUBOH Foundation Program Coordinator.
- November 1, 2023 (7:00 PM ET – 8:30 PM ET): Virtual
- November 4, 2023 (11:00 AM ET – 12:30 PM ET): In-Person
Our Saturday Session must be attended in person, with the exemption of those who have been granted an exemption waiver by the JUBOH Foundation Program Coordinator.
Workshop Topics & Areas of Discourse
Week 1: Introduction to Small Business Funding & Business Credit Building Solutions
- In Week 1 we will discuss the various ways to attract external funding sources for your business in various formats such as: Private Equity, Venture Capital, Debt, Crowd Fundraising, etc.
- We will also discuss the major business credit bureaus, how to build credit as a small business, establishing commercial lines of credit, etc.
Week 2: Revenue, High-Ticket Sales, Cashflow Management
- In Week 2 we will discuss financial management and revenue generation strategies. This week will also include Financial Basics for Entrepreneurs (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow), budgeting and forecasting; and financial planning.
Week 3: Systems Optimizations, Operations, Legal and Human Resources
In Week 3 we will discuss:
- Systems Implementation and Operational Processes
- Operationals Efficieny and Streamlining Business Processes
- Payroll and Benefits
- Legal / HR Compliance & Employment Laws and Regulations
Week 4: Strategic Partnerships, Marketing and Brand Awareness / Growth Strategies
In Week 4 we will discuss the following:
- Positioning Your Unique Value Proposition
- Digital Marketing Essentials
- Content Marketing and SEO
- Customer Relationship Management
Week 5: Final Presentations , Business Pitch Competition+ Grant Awards, and Graduation
- Participants present their business plans and growth strategies
- Grant Awards Announced and Distributed
- Graduation Ceremony and Networking Reception
Throughout the 5-week fellowship program, participants will also have access to mentors, guest speakers, and resources to support their small business journey. The program aims to provide a comprehensive education on various aspects of entrepreneurship while fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration among the participants.