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Fast Facts

• All cohort programming takes place in person at the Center and is mandatory.
• Founders receiving a private incubation office space are required to be at the Center 15-20 hours per week, developing their business.
• The flexible IgniteWorks program runs 6 months, which includes incubation business development within the Rommel Center and IgniteWorks acceleration curriculum delivery.
• Founders will have access to program leaders and 1:1 sessions.

See complete programming details below.

Who should apply?

• Applicants do not have to be affiliated with ÃÛÌÒav.
• Applicants who need private incubation office space to develop their business idea while progressing through the IgniteWorks curriculum.
• Solopreneurs and small teams are welcome to apply.
• Ventures should have a developed opportunity, not just an idea:
  • Idea: A concept, invention, or creative thought that might address a problem or fulfill a need. Ideas are often untested and lack clear evidence of market demand or real-world application.
  • Opportunity: A well-defined and validated idea that stems from an identified problem or specific job to be done. It demonstrates real market demand, feasibility, and the potential to create meaningful value for a target group of customers.

Funding

• Accepted ventures receive a $10,000 non-cash scholarship to cover all expenses associated with the 6-month program.
• Accepted SU-affiliated ventures are eligible for USM micro-grants to support product prototyping and development.
• Accepted ventures that have a clear intention of entering and competing in the Shore Hatchery entrepreneurship competition will be eligible for up to $3,000 non-equity cash stipend.

Space

Ventures have 24/7 access to the 6,000 square foot Dave & Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship, access to private work spaces, community work spaces, lockers, conference rooms, a full kitchen, an outdoor deck, Richard Bernstein Makerspace, and business development resources.

Programming and events

All programming takes place in person and is mandatory. Scheduled programming includes a new module introduction every three weeks (9 modules total), pitch practice deliverables at mandatory roundtables, and 15-20 hours of work per week developing your business opportunity in your private incubation space at the Rommel Center.

• Top-level programming: The Foundations Framework includes 9 modules addressing 6 core areas of early-stage business development: problem–solution fit, strategy, financials, customer validation, marketing, and communication. All materials for review and discussion are provided.
• Acceleration: Working as a cohort is paramount to acceleration. The vast majority of time is used for founders to build and develop their ventures, to collaborate with other founders, and to meet with the IgniteWorks team and others.
• Networking: Founders are expected to attend social and networking events when relevant to hear from industry leaders, discover opportunities, and connect with other entrepreneurs.
• IgniteWorks Demo Day: Hosted at the Rommel Center at the conclusion of the 6-month program, this culminating event includes a final pitch event, networking, and a certificate of completion.

Milestones

• On day one, each founder identifies where they will be in terms of traction in 26 weeks.
• Progress on each venture’s milestones is updated and captured in bi-weekly status reports to record accomplishments and traction towards their 6-month end-of-program goals.
• Examples of milestones include increasing revenue, users, markets and/or fundraising.