Small business inspiration rekindled at Ignite 419

By Sheri Trusty, Seneca County Media Relations Coordinator

Fostoria Economic Development Corporation’s (FEDC) popular LAUNCH small business competition jumpstarted its own new endeavor: the Ignite 419 conference. Ignite 419 provided the tools, resources and networking opportunities to help small businesses step into the next season of success.

“The purpose is to bring small businesses together in one venue so they can share experiences, build their network, and learn practical applications,” said FEDC Project Administrator Sarah Stephens Krupp. “We want to reignite their passion and get their questions answered.”

Ignite 419 was presented by FEDC in partnership with the Fostoria Area Chamber of Commerce. It featured a Wildfire Leadership Training workshop; a talk by TEDx speaker, Meg Adams; and panel discussions.

“We have multiple panels, including panels about HR, marketing and finances. There are five individuals on each panel,” said FEDC President Renee Smith. “All of the panel questions were submitted by attendees.”

Ignite 419 was inspired by FEDC’s small business LAUNCH competition, whose winner receives a financial award to jumpstart their new business.

“At the last LAUNCH, we heard from people looking to take their business to the next level,” Smith said. “Ignite 419 was a way to supplement the LAUNCH.”

The conference fit well with FEDC’s mission to help small business owners in every season of growth.

“With LAUNCH, we help businesses get started. With Ignite 419, we help them grow,” Stephens Krupp said.

Among the attendees was Seneca County Commissioner Tyler Shuff, who was grateful for the work that went into organizing the conference.

“I’m very proud of our leadership in the Fostoria Chamber and FEDC for putting such a great program together for our future entrepreneurs in the 419,” Shuff said. “This is how people get motivated to follow their dreams and take that step into starting a small business.”

During the event, attendees developed a mission portrait, which will serve as tangible inspiration for whatever work they do. Attendees’ mission statements, core values and visions were transcribed onto a graphic that they can hang in their business.

“Sarah and I made mission portraits earlier this summer,” Smith said. “We loved it. They help center you on the bad days.”

The mission portraits show the why behind the work.

“They remind you of your purpose,” Stephens Krupp said. “They remind me why I get up in the morning and why I do what I do.”