March 26, 2024
黑料社鈥檚 Kricker Innovation Hub (KIH) has announced the return of the Ignite Portsmouth Entrepreneurship Boot Camp for its fourth year. The eight-week program kicks off on May 8 and will culminate in a pitch competition. Participants will pitch their own business ideas in front of a panel of judges and the winner will receive a cash prize and the opportunity to pitch in front of the Tri-State Angel Investment Group.聽The bootcamp will be held in Scioto County at the KIH facility located at 221 Chillicothe Street in Portsmouth.
"Ignite Portsmouth represents the very best of what we off at the Kricker Innovation Hub 鈥 comprehensive support for aspiring entrepreneurs, connection to a growing ecosystem of local professionals, and unparalleled access to the tools and training you need to turn your dream into reality,鈥 said KIH鈥檚 Ignite Program Facilitator Josh Lawson. 鈥淭he program has been so successful that we鈥檙e capping the number of participants this year to maintain our quality standard. So if you鈥檙e interested in being part of this year鈥檚 cohort, now is the time to get on board.鈥
Ignite Portsmouth meets once per week (Wednesdays) and offers participants comprehensive free training in business model canvas development, market analysis, customer validation, marketing, branding, pitching, revenue models, access to capital, and more. Each participant also receives access to the LivePlan business planner and professional headshots.聽The program is open to anyone with a new business or product, or with plans to pivot an existing business to new markets.
鈥淭he Kricker Innovation Hub put together the Ignite program four years ago 鈥 during the height of the pandemic,鈥 said KIH Program Coordinator Derrick Parker. 鈥淲e knew local entrepreneurs needed a catalyst for their ideas. And today we see folks from the first year starting businesses right here in Portsmouth. Program alumni like Amanda Klaiber 鈥 The Landing in Portsmouth 鈥 and Dan Smith 鈥 Appalachia Unveiled 鈥 are doing great things and helping to change the narrative in Portsmouth. Now in its fourth year, Ignite continues to grow by offering access to more resources, more mentors, and more networking opportunities. It鈥檚 such a great program. I urge anyone with a business idea to apply.鈥
In addition to Ignite Portsmouth, the program鈥檚 expansion includes boot camps being held in Belmont, Cabell, Gallia, Jackson, Pike, and Washington counties this summer. More information on those programs will be made available at聽.
To learn more or register for this year鈥檚 Ignite Portsmouth program at the Kricker Innovation Hub, visit聽