Entrepreneurs find success at Ignition Centers. They aim to build a community for everyone, from young professionals to experienced entrepreneurs.

Ignition centers are always looking for investors ready to take a calculated risk on promising startups and entrepreneurs. Ignition does not serve as a broker between an individual and an investor.

Instead, they maintain a diverse portfolio of startups in a range of different industries. The Ignition Fund is new, and they’re looking to actively grow it

What is Ignition Center

Ignition centers support startups through events, mentorship, investor network, office space, and takes an active role in supporting the role of founders to build a profitable business.

They have the diverse staff, experience, and funds to quickly launch a business from scratch; and the experience to know when we shouldn’t. Ideas are worthless.

Execution is what matters, and they’re here to execute. On average, they work with between 10 to 30 startups at any given time ranging from pre-seed to Series A.

Ignition centers leverage a network of talented marketers, designers, entrepreneurs, and technical staff both locally and remotely to work closely with founders to jumpstart their business.

Ignition removes barriers, empowers founders, and builds confidence to ensure a startups’ success in taking its vision to market.

Ignition is the only privately financed, operated, and independent business incubator managed by a team of entrepreneurs. Ignition is a 501 (c) 3 business accelerator based in Williamsburg, Virginia, on the top floor of 1006 Richmond Rd.

Here’s how Ignition’s process works

The Ignition process is simple and transparent. It starts with our application, which is needed to schedule a meeting with us.

Once they review your application and reach out to you on what the next steps are, depending on the path that is most appropriate for you. Ignition does not charge to come in, work out of our center, and join the entrepreneurial community there.

• Complete the initial application

• The application is reviewed. They place candidates into one of our plans or schedule a meeting. Expect to hear back from us in 1 to 2 weeks.3

• After the initial meeting, the applicant is determined to be a collaborator or incubator; or accelerator depending on the stage of their business and their needs.

• If an applicant enters the accelerator program, they must complete our founder application. A second meeting is held to determine the level of investment, goals, and level of participation.

Who Can Join Ignition Centers

Are you a startup seeking funding? Ignition private equity can help. Their investments are not available to anyone, and each applicant has a process that they must pass in order to receive funding.

• Must have a solid business model. Answer the question: how are you going to make money? Is your business currently profitable?
• The founders are critical in any evaluation. Do you have experience in this industry? How much time are you dedicated to your startup? Must complete the founder application in addition to the Application
• Provide business financial statements, business tax returns
• What will you be using your funds for?
• Each applicant will undergo a credit and background check

There are also third party sources of investment available to you, of which ignition is not involved.

• Virginia Small Business Financing Authority
• Small business investment grant fund (SBIFG)
• MicroLoan (up to $25,000)
• State incentives for investors
• Provide a link to PDF, I will provide (ask me for it)
• StreetShares.com
• New Chip: http://newchip.co
• City of Williamsburg Economic Development Grant Application

Ignition Center Membership Packages

They currently offer three membership options:

Remote: Network access $200/Month

• Access to the Ignition network of investors and mentors
• Mentor matching – we’ll match you to a mentor in your industry
• Access to Ignition’s Amazon Activate credit program for startups that provides free Amazon Web Hosting
• Access to Ignition’s fellowship matching program
• Access to Ignition’s services group of verified legal professionals, web designers, web developers, app developers, and marketers
• Growth Wheel access

Tenant: Co-Working $250/Month

For co-working professionals, or idea-stage entrepreneurs who haven’t decided or committed to starting a business and want to get their feet wet.

• 24/7 access to Ignition Center’s awesome co-working digs
• 2x/month Use of the Ignition drone for videos and photos
• Use of conference room
• Growth Wheel access
• Use of Ignition mailing address

Full Service: Space and Networking $350/Month

• Access to the Ignition network of investors and mentors
• Access to Ignition’s Amazon Activate credit program for startups that provides free Amazon Web Hosting
• Access to Ignition’s fellowship matching program
• Access to Ignition’s services group of verified legal professionals, web designers, web developers, app developers, and marketers
• 24/7 access to Ignition Center’s awesome co-working digs
• 2x/month Use of the Ignition drone for videos and photos
• Use of conference room
• Growth Wheel access
• Use of Ignition mailing address
• Mentor matching – we’ll match you to a mentor in your industry

Final Verdict

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur? Already started your business? Or, are you interested in joining an exciting place where you can have fun, help people, and learn new things while giving back?

Join Ignition centers today.