IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A ONE-STOP DESTINATION TO TURN BOLD IDEAS INTO GAME-CHANGING TECHNOLOGIES, LAUNCH THRIVING BUSINESSES, OR EXPAND ESTABLISHED COMPANIES GLOBALLY, LOOK NO FURTHER.
Ignite equips entrepreneurs and businesses with the tools to succeed in an evolving marketplace. Together with our partners at Planet Hatch, we are committed to fostering a diverse, skilled workforce and driving sustainable growth. Ignite is shaping the future of business, one entrepreneur at a time.
Key Innovations
Entrepreneur Development:
Ignite offers tailored mentoring, skills development, and business support, ensuring businesses—from startups to established companies—can thrive in an evolving market. Through flexible and responsive programs, Ignite adapts to the needs of local businesses, equipping them with tools to succeed.
Workforce Attraction & Development:
Ignite ensures businesses have access to a skilled, diverse workforce. Tools like the Newcomers Guide and the Community Asset Map help new residents integrate quickly.
Workforce Integration:
Ignite leads the Capital Region Integration Network (CRIN), collaborating with stakeholders to integrate newcomers and international students, enhancing the region’s skilled labor pool. By fostering partnerships, CRIN helps retain talent and ensure meaningful economic contributions from newcomers.
Sector Growth & Export Readiness:
Ignite supports growth in sectors like AI, cybersecurity, and biotech, helping businesses expand and achieve export readiness.
Key Metrics of Impact
Business Growth:
Ignite provides extensive support to businesses through in-person and virtual programs, workshops, funding access, skills development, and one-on-one mentoring. This adaptability helps businesses navigate modern challenges and grow sustainably.
Population Growth:
By integrating and retaining newcomers and students, Ignite aligns workforce needs with local business growth.
Job Creation:
Ignite supports the growth of over 500 jobs annually, adding $20M+ to the local economy each year.
Special Programs
Ignite provides access to funding options, including personal loans, non-repayable grants, and microloans. The Impact Loan Program, funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), has been instrumental in fostering innovation. With over $1M in funding, the program offers loans ranging from $5,000 to $50,000. In 2023, Ignite facilitated $620K in funding for over 25 businesses, significantly boosting the region’s economy. Ignite is the only regional economic development agency in the province offering access to grants, filling a vital funding gap for underfunded businesses.
“Ignite has been a cornerstone in my entrepreneurial journey, providing unwavering support and resources from the early days of my career. Through Planet Hatch programs and multiple accelerator initiatives, Ignite has helped launch, build, and grow several of my companies. The funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities have been invaluable. Ignite and Planet Hatch have shown that with the right support, immigrant entrepreneurs can overcome unique challenges and drive significant innovation and economic growth. Their commitment to fostering an inclusive community has not only helped me but also countless other newcomers turn their entrepreneurial dreams into reality.”— Asif Hasan, Co-founder of Neuro AI
About Ignite
Ignite is a leader in integrated economic development, offering job creation support, entrepreneur development, and workforce attraction. From startups to succession, Ignite provides tailored mentoring, skills development, and access to networks to help businesses thrive.
Future Vision
Ignite’s vision is to continue fostering innovation, supporting workforce integration, and building global connections, ensuring the Capital Region remains a dynamic and growth-oriented hub for years to come.
“Ignite is absolutely fantastic. The local ecosystem in NB is outstanding, taking my own personal experience from Europe. I see there are a lot of folks available who are willing to help, when asked to.”— Ashwini Oke, CEO & Founder, ASETS
Awards and Accolades
- Seven-Time Smart21 Community recognized by the ICF
- Named one of the world’s top seven most intelligent communities (ICF) for the third time
- Bronze Award for Community Impact: Economic Empowerment Program for Newcomer Women
