AS OF 2020, WITHIN THE 1.1 MILLION US SMALL BUSINESSES, 2.2% WERE BLACK OWNED, 5.6% WERE HISPANIC/LATIN-OWNED, AND LESS THAN 1% WERE INDIGENOUS-OWNED.  THE NUMBER FOR DIVERSE SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS WAS DRASTICALLY LESS, ACROSS THE BOARD.

Our Social Impact Statement

At Ignite M.O.B. we are committed to fostering a transformative ecosystem for entrepreneurs. Our mission is to empower individuals to not only start and scale successful businesses but also to cultivate a culture of social entrepreneurship that addresses the unique needs of our community. We understand that sustainable businesses have the power to drive positive change, and we aspire to create a self-sufficient ecosystem where businesses actively contribute to the well-being of their cities.

Our Mission

Ignite M.O.B. aims to create a thriving and self-sustaining entrepreneurial ecosystem in Memphis and beyond, where businesses not only prosper but also actively contribute to addressing the social needs of our community. Together, we can create a more inclusive, innovative, and socially responsible community for all its residents.

Social Impact Key Principals

Inclusive Participation:  We believe that diverse perspectives are essential for innovation and progress. Ignite M.O.B. is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment for entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, ensuring that underrepresented voices have the support and resources they need to thrive.

Education and Mentorship: We provide comprehensive education and mentorship programs to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the business world. Our mentors, with their wealth of experience, guide and inspire the next generation of business leaders.

Access to Capital: We understand that access to capital is a crucial factor in the success of any business. Ignite M.O.B. helps entrepreneurs source the financial resources they need to turn their ideas into reality, fostering economic growth in Memphis and beyond.

Social Entrepreneurship: We emphasize the importance of addressing social needs within our community. We encourage businesses to allocate a portion of their capital to initiatives that benefit Memphis, ensuring that economic success is intertwined with social betterment.

Community Resilience:  Ignite M.O.B. is dedicated to building a resilient community. By supporting sustainable businesses and social enterprises, we aim to strengthen the local economy, making cities more resilient and thriving.

Memphis was cited as the top choice among black entrepreneurs as the place to open a small business.

-Fast Company (2018)

OUR PROGRAMS

Social
Entrepreneurship
Incubator

Free to Public

Agenda

Understanding Social Entrepreneurship

The Business of Social Entrepreneurship

Developing a Social Enterprise Idea

Building a Sustainable Social Enterprise

Social
Funding
Readiness Lab

Coming in 2026

Agenda:

Understanding Funding Options

  • Overview of different funding sources (e.g., grants, loans, investors).

Building a Strong Business Plan

  • Importance of a solid business plan.

Financial Management and Budgeting

  • Budgeting basics for businesses.
  • Financial management tips.

Pitching and Investor Relations

  • Crafting an effective pitch.
  • Role-play exercises for pitching to investors.
  • Tips for building investor relationships.

Scale Up
Boot Camp

Coming in 2026

Agenda

Business Foundations and Strategy

  • Setting Expectations and Goals
  • Identifying Business Goals and Vision
  • Market Analysis and Target Audience
  • Business Planning and Strategy Development
  • Legal and Financial Basics for Scaling

Marketing and Branding

  • Building a Strong Brand Identity
  • Effective Marketing Strategies
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Content Creation and Promotion
  • Digital Marketing Tools and Analytics
  • Developing a Marketing Plan

Operations and Scaling

  • Scalable Business Models
  • Supply Chain and Logistics
  • Technology and Automation
  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Access to Funding and Financing
  • Building a Growth Team

Pitching and Investment

  • Crafting a Compelling Pitch
  • Investor Relations and Due Diligence
  • Pitch Deck Design

Types of Giving

By making a donation to Ignite M.O.B., you are helping equip aspiring social entrepreneurs with critical resources to create, launch and scale businesses. Gifts can be made online or by mail.

A gift today equals change for tomorrow.

Foundation and Corporate Partnerships
Our partners include foundations, financial institutions, and corporations that partner with us by providing substantial financial gifts.

Annual Giving

Walters-Ray Giving Circle
The Walters-Ray Giving Circle is a group of generous leaders and visionaries committed to advancing our mission, through annual donations. These leaders help promote economic development, spur  business growth, and focus on better communities, through entrepreneurial job growth and revenue, while also playing a vital role in changing individuals’ lives of each entrepreneur served.

Levels
$3,000 | $5,000 | $10,000

Sponsor

Scholarship Sponsor

Sponsor a participant for a boot camp or incubator program
$300 | $500 | $700

Our programs are designed to enrich and empower, our members. By purchasing a scholarship, you are ensuring that all barriers are removed for a business to reach full potential and do well, by doing good.

Sponsor

In-Kind and Non-Cash Gifts

Ignite MOB accepts certain non-cash donations that align with our mission and programs. Email Executive Director at Executivedirector@ignitemob.org to get connected.

Ignite MOB is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Your donations are typically tax-deductible.

Volunteer
Our entrepreneurs gain valuable insight from experienced business owners and business leaders. Is that you? Email Executive Director at Programs@ignitemob.org to get connected.

GET IN TOUCH WITH US