Apr. 30—POTTSVILLE — A new initiative has folks at the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Foundation and Wise Owl Consulting "excited."
Announcement of the launch of their "inaugural entrepreneurial development program," called "Ignite Schuylkill," is at the heart of this exhilaration, according to a release from Samantha Chivinski, chamber executive vice president.
It's a competition for "emerging entrepreneurs and designed to support and nurture the growth of early-stage businesses," Chivinski said.
Ignite Schuylkill, according to the release, will create a nontraditional form of economic development by "investing in human capital to foster a community where emerging businesses can succeed and thrive."
The program will "enhance the development of Schuylkill County through leadership development, youth engagement and entrepreneurship," the mission of the Schuylkill Chamber Foundation, Chivinski wrote.
The initiative has a 16-week educational component that will focus on providing entrepreneurs with coursework on entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership, according to the release.
Established business owners will serve as guest lecturers to provide business knowledge and share their expertise and insights. Local business owners will serve as mentors and guide participants through the challenges of launching a business.
Spark Schuylkill, a similar entrepreneurial program for high school students, will be announced in the fall, according to Chivinski.
The chamber's president and chief executive officer, Robert S. Carl Jr., said the chamber foundation and board of directors are excited because "developing new entrepreneurs is crucial for the growth and sustainability of communities."
The program will conclude with a " 'Shark Tank'-esque live competition," Chivinski said, adding details on the official competition rules and format will be released in June online at www.schuylkillchamber.com/igniteschuylkill.
As part of the competition, entrepreneurs will receive startup capital to help fund their business.
Businesses interested in participating by contributing capital, specific to the startup of the businesses, should contact Savas Logothetides, main consultant at Wise Owl Consulting, via email to savas@wiseowlconsulting.com, or Chivinski at schivinski@schuylkillchamber.com.
Ignite Schuylkill, according to Logothetides, is "a chance for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas, receive valuable feedback and resources and take their business ideas to the next level."
Advance applications for Ignite Schuylkill will be accepted starting in June. Those interested can find more information at the Ignites Schuylkill website or Facebook page.