BUILD CONNECTIONS & SPARK TRANSFORMATION AT THE
2025 BRIDGES 2 IMPACT SUMMIT!
Join us for the Bridges 2 Impact Summit to drive bold ideas, build stronger communities, and create lasting change—Register Today!
Date: April 3rd - 6th| In Person Event
ABOUT IGNITE!
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IGNITE! is a holistic and supportive ecosystem designed to educate and bridge communication gaps between organizations, service providers, and small businesses.
THE VISION
Our mission is to ensure that entrepreneurs stay informed, have a clear understanding, and receive access to federal, state, and local funding, as well as resources and technical assistance needed to compete, succeed, and excel competitively.
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OUR OBJECTIVES
IGNITE! Central's core objectives are to ensure you:
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Understand Core Business Competencies
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Receive Access to Capital
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Secure and Successfully Execute Contracts
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Are made aware of and encouraged to explore STEM and other High Growth Industries
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Are made aware of and take advantage of Workforce Development and Career Readiness Opportunities
THE NEED WE FULFILL
Inequality and disparities, as well as a lack of access to training and support, have perpetuated an “unlevel” playing field, catapulting Alabama’s entrepreneur community, especially African Americans, seemingly into a “State of Emergency.”
Despite one’s very best efforts, Alabama small business owners often find themselves “being the last to know” as it relates to educational and financial opportunities. They lack a supportive network and frequently fall prey to unfair business practices, manipulative and restrictive voting laws, policies, and strategic poll closings within disadvantaged communities.
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According to a 2019 study published by Alabama Possible, the State of Alabama is the 6th poorest state in the U.S. with over 800,000 Alabamians living below the poverty threshold. Moreover, statistics show that while 72% of Alabama’s “Heads of Households” are African American women, they are 51% underpaid vs. white women AND 61% underpaid vs. white men.
In addition, although 26% of the State of Alabama’s population are African American, they only own 3% of Alabama’s businesses with employees. So, while we are frustrated, we are not hopeless.
We simply acknowledge that it’s time to IGNITE! and become the change we MUST see!
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​DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION STATEMENT
IGNITE! is committed to setting the standard and moving inclusion forward. Our team works intently to connect people, broaden perspectives, stimulate conversations, and foster civic engagement that promotes and recognizes principles of fairness and equity, in relation to, and across, intersections of race, age, color, disability, faith, religion, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, social class, economic class, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, and all other identities represented among our diverse communities.