INITIATIVEs
IGNITE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER
Officially launched in October of 2023 with the first cohort of its Tourism Innovation Business Incubator program, IGNITE Center will continue to be a resource for entrepreneurs in the early stages of business creation and growth. Located inside AMPLIFY Clearwater headquarters at 1346 S. Fort Harrison Avenue in Clearwater, IGNITE plans to serve some of the 100,000+ small businesses in the Tampa Bay region to drive sustainability, improve resilience, and attract new economic development opportunities
The IGNITE Center fosters innovation and sustainable economic growth, serving small businesses, it empowers underserved entrepreneurs and creates equitable opportunities through incubator cohorts, mentorship for growth-stage tourism companies, multi-day bootcamps, workshops focused on scaling businesses, and networking opportunities that connect entrepreneurs with peers, investors, and industry leaders. Goals include innovation, collaboration, funding access, and tailored services. Inclusivity is key, with multilingual support ensuring access for diverse communities. Strategic partnerships and advocacy efforts shape a supportive ecosystem. The center’s focus on inclusivity ensures that entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds receive the support they need to succeed, driving innovation and fostering economic resilience in the region. By expanding its initiatives, IGNITE aims to bridge systemic gaps and empower businesses to contribute to a thriving, inclusive Tampa Bay economy.
PROGRAMS
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WORKSHOPS & BOOTCAMPS
WORKSHOPS
& BOOTCAMPS
WORKSHOP CALENDAR
- Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 (11:30AM-1 PM)
- Tuesday, March 18th, 2025 (8-9:30AM)
- Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 (11:30AM-1 PM)
- Tuesday, May 20th, 2025 (8-9:30AM)
- Tuesday, June 17th, 2025 (11:30AM-1 PM)
- Tuesday, July 15th, 2025 (8-9:30AM)
- Tuesday, August 19th, 2025 (11:30AM-1 PM)
- Tuesday, September 16th, 2025 (8-9:30AM)
- Tuesday, October 21st, 2025 (11:30AM-1 PM)
- Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 (8-9:30AM)
SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOP SERIES
AMPLIFY'S TOURISM INCUBATOR
On the heels of Clearwater being named #1 beach in the US again this year, our business incubator will further capitalize on what our community already does so well. Our goal is to focus on emerging trends and innovative ideas to guarantee a sustainable delivery and continued success.
INCUBATOR
Why AMPLIFY?
Why Now?
Mission and Objectives
The mission of the incubator is to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable tourism ecosystem by:
- Identifying and nurturing promising existing growth stage tourism companies
- Providing comprehensive support and resources to accelerate business growth
- Facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing among entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors
- Fostering a culture of innovation and sustainability within the tourism sector
- Driving equitable and inclusive economic development in the Tampa Bay region
Services and Offerings
The incubator will offer a wide range of services tailored to the unique needs of tourism businesses:
- Mentorship and Coaching: Experienced mentors will guide and advise entrepreneurs, helping them refine their business strategies and navigate the challenges of the tourism industry.
- Access to Capital: The incubator will connect businesses with potential investors and tourism-focused funding opportunities to secure necessary capital for growth.
- Shared Resources: Businesses will have access to shared office spaces, technology infrastructure, and networking events to promote collaboration and idea exchange.
- Industry Partnerships: Strategic partnerships with tourism organizations, government agencies, and industry leaders will provide invaluable market insights and potential pilot opportunities.
- Training and Workshops: Tailored workshops and training sessions will equip entrepreneurs with the skills needed to build and scale their tourism businesses effectively.
Selection Criteria
To ensure the incubator’s success and maintain a high standard of innovation, the selection process for businesses will be intake-based and reliant on the following criteria:
- Alignment with tourism Focus: Businesses must demonstrate a clear connection to the tourism sector and offer solutions that enhance sustainable tourism practices, visitor experiences, or destination marketing.
- Growth Potential: The business model and market potential of each business will be evaluated, prioritizing those with scalable and sustainable growth prospects.
- Team and Leadership: Strong, adaptable, and dedicated founders with a clear vision for their business will be given preference during the selection process.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The incubator is looking for motivated, experienced founders with promising tourism/hospitality ventures that are poised for growth. The incubator will provide the mentorship, resources, and environment to help scale the business.
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
Founder with 3-5 years of experience in the tourism/hospitality industry. Have worked in operations, marketing, or business development roles & understand the fundamentals of the industry.
GROWTH STAGE
Their business is in the growth stage, meaning it has an established product/service, initial customers and revenue, and is looking to scale.
PLANNING ASSISTANCE
They are seeking help with strategic planning, marketing, technology implementation, talent recruitment, funding, and expanding to new markets.
CLEAR VISION
The founder has a clear vision for the future of the company and demonstrates tenacity and adaptability. They are open to mentorship and advice from the incubator.
VALUE OFFERING
Has a differentiated offering in the tourism/hospitality space that provides value through technology, a unique experience, or serving an underserved segment.
MARKET POTENTIAL
There is a large addressable market opportunity for growth. The founder has done research validating the market potential.
ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE
The founder has previous entrepreneurial experience or transferrable skills. They understand the fundamentals of business operations, finance, and management.
INITIAL FUNDING
Preferably the business has some initial funding or revenue to demonstrate traction and viability. There is a path to profitability.
TIME INVESTMENT
The founder must be able to commit up to 10 hours a week (2 hours in-person) to engaging with the incubator and working on the business. They cannot be stretched too thin.
