IGNITE! Central - Small Business Continuum of Care

IGNITE! Central is a national "Continuum of Care" for Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofit Leaders. 

Guided by Case Management via a custom Salesforce system, IGNITE! Central assesses businesses, develops personalized "Individualized Business Action Plans," and connects them with a network of 94+ nationwide ecosystem partners best equipped to offer immediate assistance relevant to businesses' current and pressing needs via:

1. Assessments: IGNITE! Central assesses businesses to understand where they are foundationally.

2. Personalized Plans: IGNITE! Central creates "Individualized Business Action Plans" outlining specific action steps to address their unique needs.

3. Ecosystem Coordination: IGNITE! Central is as a central hub that coordinates ecosystem partners, ensuring businesses receive timely assistance.

4. Case Management: The solution provides ongoing case management, technical assistance, and accountability to ensure progress towards goals.

5. Workshops and Events: IGNITE! Central hosts monthly virtual workshops and annual events like the Contract Opportunities for Minorities Symposium, Empowerment Summit, and GEN Business Vision Board Workshop to facilitate learning, networking, and empowerment.

6. Technology: The solution utilizes a custom-designed Salesforce system to manage the data, assessments, and action plans efficiently.

7. Human-Centered Design: IGNITE! Central incorporates human-centered design by focusing on the specific needs of business owners and entrepreneurs. It tailors action plans, workshops, and support services to address their unique challenges and aspirations.

IGNITE! Central's comprehensive solution leverages the power of technology and human-centered design to provide Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofit Leaders with a personalized and supportive ecosystem; offering relevant resources, fostering communication, and addressing pressing needs on their journey towards success.

Salesforce is the Core Technology used to power IGNITE! Central - a shared CRM for 

1. Cloud-based Technology: Salesforce was one of the first cloud-based CRM platforms, offering a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. This innovation allows IGNITE! Central Ecosystem Partners to access their data from anywhere, at any time, as long as they had an internet connection. This not only improves accessibility but also eliminates their need to maintain complex, expensive, and inefficient on-premise infrastructure.
2. Scalability and Flexibility: Salesforce CRM is designed to be highly scalable, which means it can accommodate the needs of both small businesses and large enterprises. As a business grows, it allows IGNITE! Central to easily add more users, features, and storage space without significant disruptions or infrastructure investments.
3. Customization and AppExchange: Salesforce provides a robust platform that allows IGNITE! Central Ecosystem Partners to customize dashboards according to their specific needs.  Creating custom fields, workflows, and processes to tailor the CRM to their unique requirements. Additionally, the Salesforce AppExchange offers a vast marketplace of pre-built applications and integrations, enabling our team to extend the CRM's capabilities without reinventing the wheel.
4. Integration Capabilities: Salesforce CRM has the ability to integrate with a wide range of other business systems and applications, such as marketing automation, e-commerce, finance, and customer service platforms. This seamless integration allows IGNITE! Central to create a unified view of customer data, enabling better collaboration among different departments and a more comprehensive understanding of customer interactions.
5. AI and Automation: Salesforce has been at the forefront of incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its CRM platform. Features like Einstein AI offer intelligent insights, predictive analytics, and automation to help IGNITE! Central make data-driven decisions, improve customer experiences, and streamline processes.
6. Mobile Experience: Salesforce recognized the growing importance of mobile devices and has invested heavily in optimizing its CRM for mobile usage. The Salesforce mobile app enables IGNITE! Central Sales Representatives and other users to access critical data, update records, and manage their tasks on the go, enhancing productivity and responsiveness.
7. Regular Updates and Improvements: Salesforce continuously updates and improves its CRM platform, introducing new features and functionalities based on customer feedback and market trends. This commitment to innovation ensures that IGNITE! Central users always have access to the latest technologies and capabilities.
8. Community and Support: Salesforce has built a vast and engaged community of developers, administrators, and users who share their knowledge and best practices. This ecosystem fosters innovation through collaboration, enabling IGNITE! Central to leverage the collective wisdom of the community to get the most out of our CRM implementation.

Overall, IGNITE! Central's innovative approach to cloud-based technology, scalability, customization, integration, AI, mobile experience, and ongoing improvements have made it a core technology for Ecosystem Partners looking to optimize their customer relationships and enhance their overall efficiency and effectiveness.

IGNITE! is a transformative solution that serves Small Businesses, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofits, addressing three critical challenges: limited access to capital, supportive business networks, and business skills development. 

Prior to its 2019 inception, there was no reliable data sets on the status of Alabama-based Black Businesses. However, in just 18 months, IGNITE! has generated exclusive data sets that played a pivotal role in securing Birmingham Alabama's spot in a 2.5 Billion Dollar National Investment. This accomplishment demonstrates the significant impact IGNITE! has made in empowering the community and driving change.

Alabama's economic disparities are evident, with over 800,000 Alabamians living below the poverty threshold, and Black women facing significant wage gaps compared to white women and men. Additionally, despite comprising 26% of the population, Black individuals only own 3% of businesses with employees in the state.

As a Black Female-led agency with leaders closely connected to the challenges faced by minorities, IGNITE! provides authentic and practical solutions to close economic inequality gaps and eliminate barriers to entry experienced by Black entrepreneurs and communities. Through its real-world impact and data-driven approach, IGNITE! is driving positive change, creating a pathway to prosperity and success for those historically marginalized.

“I've seen firsthand how IGNITE!s work is making a significant impact on the lives of many people in our community. Their unique contribution in Alabama's entrepreneurial ecosystem is her ability to convene partners that support startups, small firms and growth companies within communities that prior to IGNITE! received less attention. IGNITE! is inclusive and aggressive in reaching people who have not had help in the past; making their reach even more substantial. IGNITE! is very data driven, which is not a common trait for many organizations. Many other states and groups can learn from IGNITE!”

~ Theresa M. Welbourne, UA Culverhouse College of Business

Prior to creation of IGNITE!, there was a lack of reliable data sets Alabama-based Black Businesses, hindering understanding of their needs and challenges. Procurement opportunities for these businesses were scarce, further limiting their growth and economic impact.

To tackle these challenges, IGNITE! Central was birthed. Our exclusive and proprietary Salesforce data has revolutionized understanding of Black Businesses, generating critical information pivotal in securing a $2.5 Billion Dollar National Investment for Birmingham Alabama. Data impact has not only provided a baseline, but also fueled development of targeted programming.

Through Forensic Financial Analysis, Individualized Business Action Plans, and Success Advocates (Case Management, Emotional Support, & Accountability), our solution offers a continuum of care, directly addressing limitations faced by small businesses in terms of access to capital, networks, and skills development.

Moreover, IGNITE! Central tackles procurement challenge by streamlining processes and creating efficiency through our shared Salesforce system. By connecting businesses with over 94 nationwide ecosystem partners, including financial institutions, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), and others, our solution maximizes resources and opportunities for businesses to access procurement and support.

Alignment of IGNITE! Central's solution with the challenge is evident in our data-driven approach, comprehensive support for small business development, and focus on serving the population most affected by economic disparities. By leveraging technology, partnerships, and a deep understanding of the community's needs, IGNITE! Central is addressing root causes of the problem and fostering economic growth and empowerment in America.

By leveraging Case management, a custom Salesforce system, human-centered design, and strategic partnerships, IGNITE! Central empowers small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders, leading to positive economic and social outcomes in the community. 

Through our continuum of care featuring personalized support, IGNITE! Central closes economic gaps, fosters communication, and provides relevant resources to businesses on their journey towards success guided by the following elements of our theory of change:

1. Inputs:

- IGNITE! Central's custom Salesforce system

- Expertise of the team and leaders proximate to the challenges

- Partnerships with over 94 nationwide ecosystem partners

2. Activities:

- Assess businesses to understand their foundational needs

- Create "Individualized Business Action Plans" with specific steps

- Connect businesses with relevant ecosystem partners

- Provide ongoing case management, technical assistance, and support

- Host monthly workshops and annual events for learning and networking

- Utilize technology to manage data and streamline processes

- Implement human-centered design to tailor support services

3. Outputs:

- Comprehensive data on businesses' needs and challenges

- Individualized action plans for each business

- Strong network of ecosystem partners

- Ongoing case management and support for businesses

- Regular workshops and events for learning and empowerment

4. Outcomes:

- Improved business operations and growth prospects

- Enhanced access to resources and opportunities

- Increased collaboration and communication among stakeholders

- Strengthened entrepreneurial skills and knowledge

- Greater networking and learning opportunities for businesses

5. Impact:

- Empowered Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofit Leaders

- Increased economic growth and development in the community

- Reduced economic disparities and barriers to success

- Enhanced sustainability and resilience of businesses

- Positive social and economic outcomes for underserved populations

Since our 2019 inception, IGNITE! has triaged and provided direct referrals to over 8,100 Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofit Leaders.  We have hosted  virtual programs with over 65,000 views. 

We currenty serve: 8,100

Now that we've perfected the pilot, and are transitioning to Doing Business in America and Globally, our service goals are:

One year: 200,000

Five years: 1 Million

IGNITE! Central addresses challenges of economic inequality and barriers to entry by Minority Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofit Leaders.  Our stakeholders include Entrepreur Support Organizations, CDFI's, Banks, SBA, Education Institutions, Philanthropic Leaders, Federal, State, and Local Government.

Since our inception, IGNITE! has been at the forefront, guiding minority business owners and nonprofit leaders to recognize the significance of technology in maximizing resources, human capital, operational efficiency, sustainability, and impact. 

Isaac McCoy, Dean Stillman College School of Business, highlights crucial role of IGNITE! in Alabama's economic and business ecosystem. This intentional initiative connects minority entrepreneurs, business owners, and social conscious organizations to resources that foster growth and sustainability. As economic growth envisioned for American hinges on the flourishing of entrepreneurs, businesses owners, and social conscious organizations. We recognize the value of collaboration, technology, and empowerment in propelling our stakeholders towards success, fostering a prosperous and sustainable future for all.

Here's a few highlights of significant steps IGNITE! has taken to build trust, community, and create a supportive ecosystem for small business owners:

Ecosystem Coordination:IGNITE! recognized the need for collaboration among service providers, so we took the initiative to establish, grow, and maintain a nationwide ecosystem. 

Salesforce: Improves efficiency and maximizes resources. IGNITE!'s thorough assessment of businesses and development of Individualized Business Action Plans ensures participants receive tailored assistance to address specific needs. This comprehensive approach builds trust by demonstrating a commitment to supporting businesses on a personal level.

Success Advocates: Success Guide and motivate program participants throughout their journey, offering regular check-ins, and providing encouragement through various means. This personalized support fosters a sense of trust and accountability.

IGNITE! Central is a collaborative ecosystem that builds trust within the community. By supporting small business owners, IGNITE! demonstrates its commitment to fostering a fertile and robust national entrepreneurial ecosystem. 

Overarching Goals of IGNITE! Central is to serve 200,000 Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Nonprofit Leaders annually, and 1 Million collectively in a five year period:

• Increase capacity and success through Forensic Financial Analysis (FFA) & Individualized Business Action Plan (IBAP)
• Gain Access to Capital
• Learn, Understand, and Apply Core Business Competencies & Business Skill Development

IGNITE! Central goals are achieved by delivery of intensive supportive services and a series of quantitative metrics to include # of completed Forensic Financial Analysis, # of completed Individualized Business Action Plans, # of participants at events, # of jobs created / retained, pre & post assessments and surveys, # of business mentors, # of loans acquired, # of contracts secured, % of increase of revenues/profits. 

Focus groups and interviews will be conducted at incremental times to include beginning and end of Program Participation. 

We will service 200,000 Businesses annually to achieve expected project outcomes.  We measure effectiveness by  unduplicated Businesses’ each year completed IBAP action items & goals, increased credit scores, # of procured contracts, # of grants awarded, # of increased staff, and office space expansion, etc.

A partnership with Truist Foundation and MIT Solve could help IGNITE! Central in the following ways:

1. Access to Resources: Partnering with Truist Foundation and MIT Solve could offer access to additional financial resources, expertise, and networks. This support could help IGNITE! expand its reach, scale its impact, and serve a larger number of small businesses.

2. Validation and Credibility: Collaborating with reputable organizations like Truist Foundation and MIT Solve can provide IGNITE! with increased validation and credibility. This could attract more funding opportunities, sponsors, and potential partners.

3. Knowledge Exchange and Innovation: Partnering with MIT Solve could facilitate knowledge exchange and access to cutting-edge innovations in the field of entrepreneurship and social impact. This could enable IGNITE! to stay at the forefront of best practices and innovative approaches.

4. National Visibility: Working with Truist Foundation and MIT Solve could give IGNITE! national visibility and recognition. This exposure might attract attention from other stakeholders, potential donors, and policymakers interested in supporting impactful solutions for economic inequality.

5. Strengthening Ecosystem: Building collaborations with like-minded organizations strengthens the entrepreneurial ecosystem. By joining forces, IGNITE! can be part of a broader collective effort to address racial inequality and economic disparities on a larger scale.

Overall, a partnership with Truist Foundation and MIT Solve could provide IGNITE! with the necessary support, resources, and exposure to further amplify its impact in serving small businesses, help close economic gaps, and eliminating barriers to success in underserved communities.

Small Businesses constantly strive to make the most of limited resources, as they lack access to capital, networks, and funding. Lack severely hindering progress, leaving businesses operating at a disadvantage, manifesting in various ways:

First restricting entry into influential circles where critical decisions are made. Second limiting their ability to acquire skills and implement efficient processes. Thirdly, it prevents them from fully grasping the importance of professional development, continuous learning, and wealth-building strategies. Moreover, lack of resources stifles their capacity to dream and innovate. Forcing them to work hard, without means to work smart, and effectively.

Systemic and inequitable treadmills exhausts small businesses, consuming vast amounts of energy while yielding limited progress. Despite best efforts of minorities, lack is a pervasive obstacle. For instance, despite IGNITE!s three years of success, including securing a $600k W.K. Kellogg Foundation seed grant.  A mere $10k funding request to a local corporation received no response; yet, that same corporation granted a $200k Seed Grant to a newly established white-led organization with a similar mission, and NO service record.

Therefore financial support from Truist and other national funders is vital to helping IGNITE! secure contracts, track data, build fiscal capacity, and overcome systemic barriers.