Programs
As a part of our toolkit of resources, IGNITE offers a variety of programming, including office hours with industry experts, an engaging speaker series, and Ideas 2 Enterprise (I2E), our signature program for business planning fundamentals.
Ideas 2 Enterprise
Ideas 2 Enterprise (I2E) is a key element in creating and sustaining IGNITE’s impact, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship with access to the essential resources for reshaping the identity of Washington County. The I2E program is unique in its offering as a five-week course provided to local entrepreneurs to assist in the creation of a formal business plan. This programming provides the pipeline of companies/organizations that have the fundamental skills to grow businesses that will locate in Washington County, and helps existing companies improve their respective value propositions. At the end of the series, there is an opportunity for participating entrepreneurs to pitch their business to a panel of judges for a chance to win capital grant money for their business.
Market Assessment and Research
Marketing, Sales Strategy Development and Public Speaking
Financial Modeling
Operations Planning
IGNITE Your Curiosity
Know about events happening at IGNITE and locally in our area. Learn, grow and be supported in a community that values education for all ages!
December 3
Downtown Washington Christmas Parade and Holiday Market
Join in for an evening of shopping, children's activities and holiday entertainment! The Holiday Market is free and open to the public. Enjoy the market from 4pm-7pm followed by the parade kicking off on Main Street. Visit the Observer-Reporter Holiday Market Facebook Page to stay updated on the vendors and other news!
December 11
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Holiday Outdoor Farmer's Market
Visit the Pavilion in Downtown Washington, PA for a holiday farmers market you don't want to miss!
IGNITE Insights Speaker Series
These one-hour sessions at IGNITE will feature an industry expert sharing insights on a specific topic related to business; from social media strategies to strategic thinking techniques for startups and small businesses, there are topics to engage everyone. Bring your lunch with you or plan to grab a bite to eat Downtown afterwards!
Past Speakers
Learn about our past speakers, who they are and the topic they presented on. Questions? Contact us!
September 28, 2021
Marketing and Sales Fundamentals
Presented by Jordon Rooney, Founder and CEO of Built Different Creative
Digital storytelling and brand development have entered a new era - whether driven from the pressures of a pandemic, changing laws and regulations (think: Name, Image, Licensing), and the ongoing shift to online engagement. Companies and organizations no longer have the luxury to avoid building a digital brand. They must.
September 28, 2021
Fundraising Essentials
Presented by Dan Law, Senior Director of Capital Development & Strategy at The Andy Warhol Museum
The Pittsburgh region is one of America's largest social enterprise and nonprofit epicenters. With leading foundations and thousands of organizations, Southwestern Pennsylvania is poised to be a national leader for others to follow in terms of public and nonprofit innovation and entrepreneurship. So, what's your big idea and how do you fund it? Dan Law shared how to engage with funders and donors and break fundraising records for game-changing ideas. This session really spoke to non-profits and there was a takeaway for everyone who attended - "Don't be afraid to talk about the challenges you face-believe in your product!"
November 30, 2021
E-Commerce Marketing Analytics
Tuesday, November 30th
Presented by Maddi Love, Director of Marketing at WH Digital, a Digital Marketing Instructor at Academy PGH, and serves on the Executive Committee at Work Hard Pittsburgh.
Just in time for the holidays, Maddi really gave a detailed overview on what it means to use your own data to drive business to your e-commerce site. Maddi touched on the three pillars
- Social Media Marketing (Organic vs. Paid)
- Google Marketing (Organic vs. Paid)
- E-Mail Marketing
We learned why cross promoting is important and how the optimization score correlates directly to the relevancy of your message and ultimately how much money you will spend per click! How can a small business maximize its budget? Target the appropriate market. Consider partnerships with like minded audiences where both businesses will benefit from the relationship.
Upcoming Speakers
January
15 tips, tools and tricks to optimize your work and life
Date/Details TBA
February
Leadership and Culture Panel Featuring Local Women Entrepreneurs
Date/Details TBA
March
Pathways to Success
Date/Details TBA
Strategic Thinking for Start-Ups and Small Businesses
April
Exploration of Website Marketing
Date/Details TBA
Visit Us
57 East Chestnut Street, Washington, PA 15301
Downtown Washington, PA • Adjacent to main campus of Washington & Jefferson College • Convenient to I-70 and I-79
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