The Schuylkill Chamber Foundation and Wise Owl Consulting announce the launch of their inaugural entrepreneurial development program, Ignite Schuylkill. This competition is for emerging entrepreneurs and designed to support and nurture the growth of early-stage businesses.

Ignite Schuylkill will create a nontraditional form of economic development by investing in human capital to foster a community where emerging businesses can succeed and thrive. This program will “enhance the development of Schuylkill County through leadership development, youth engagement, and entrepreneurship,” the mission of the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation.

“The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Chamber board of directors are excited to announce the launch of Ignite Schuylkill. Developing new entrepreneurs is crucial for the growth and sustainability of communities,” said Robert S. Carl, Jr., president of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce.

The 16-week educational component of the program will focus on providing aspiring entrepreneurs with course work on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership. Established business owners will serve as guest lecturers to provide valuable business knowledge and share their expertise and insights. Local business owners will also serve as mentors and guide the participants through the challenges that come along with starting a business.

Spark Schuylkill, a similar entrepreneurial program for high school students will be announced in the fall of 2023.

Carl said it is important to provide a platform for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and obtain valuable resources and support. The Chamber Foundation is proud to continue to carry out its mission by developing new programs to enhance entrepreneurship and leadership for the betterment of our local business development.

The program will conclude with a Shark Tank-esque live competition. Details on the official rules and competition format will be released in June 2023, on https://www.schuylkillchamber.com/igniteschuylkill/. As part of the competition, entrepreneurs will receive startup capital to help fund their business.

Any businesses that are interested in participating in contributing capital, specific to the startup of these businesses are encouraged to contact Savas Logothetides, Wise Owl Consulting (savas@wiseowlconsulting.com) or the Samantha Chivinski, Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce (schivinski@schuylkillchamber.com).

“Ignite Schuylkill is more than just a business plan competition; it’s a chance for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, receive valuable feedback and resources, and take their business ideas to the next level,” said Savas Logothetides, principal consultant of Wise Owl Consulting. “I am thrilled to be a part of this process and to provide opportunities for early-stage businesses in our community.”

Pre-applications for Ignite Schuylkill will be accepted starting in June. Interested individuals can find more information at http://www.schuylkillchamber.com/igniteschuylkill in the coming weeks. Updates will also be available on the Ignite Schuylkill Facebook page