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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YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR ACADEMY (YEA!)
YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR
ACADEMY!
Why YEA?
YEA! Vision
To be a leader in establishing innovative, experiential entrepreneurship programs for middle and high school students, delivering these programs through colleges and universities, and in high schools and middle schools throughout the country, in close cooperation with local community and business leaders and their organizations. To partner with like-minded organizations to effectively deliver entrepreneurship education to young people across our nation.
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy provides a focused introduction to the business world, combining a dynamic, proven curriculum with the experiences of local leaders of industry, community members, educators, and entrepreneurs. The goal of all YEA! classes is for each student to successfully launch their own business.
YEA! Mission
Develop and deliver experience-based entrepreneurship programs to young people to:
- Enable them to transition successfully to adulthood
- Help them to pursue their dreams by harnessing their creativity and energy
- Help them transform their ideas into tangible enterprises that create economic and social value for a better world
- Develop the character of tomorrow’s leaders based on personal principles and values
- Enable educational institutions and Chambers of Commerce to provide successful and effective entrepreneurship programs for middle and high school students;
- Create a culture of innovation in schools and communities across the nation
- Foster the entrepreneurial mindset in young people, educators, and community members.
Community Impact
The Young Entrepreneurs Academy is a life-changing program that positively impacts the entire community. From exciting local business guest lecturers to dynamic field trips to local companies, students learn how to develop and run a real enterprise in a fun, projects-based approach.
YEA! Schedule
- Weekly Class January 2026-April 2026
- 4pm-7pm
- SPC Clearwater Campus
Applications open soon!
Student Selection Process
To apply for YEA!, students must:
- Fill out the YEA Student Application (coming soon!)
- Complete the essay and the short answer questions
- Submit a letter of recommendation
Once the completed Application packet is received, students will be asked to come in for an interview. Acceptance in the program is based on all aspects of an application, as well as the personal interview. Prior experience with business is not required!
Partnership Opportunities
Help shape the next generation of business leaders by investing in our Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA!) students. Your support provides mentorship, education, and real-world opportunities for middle and high school students who are learning to launch and run their own businesses.
Investor Panel $2,000
- Recognized as Investor Panel Sponsor for the signature “Shark Tank”-style student pitch event
- Recognition in event signage, agenda, and all promotional materials
- Logo on presentation screens during Investor Panel
- Opportunity to serve as an Investor Panel judge (optional)
- Featured mention in AMPLIFY Clearwater communications and press releases
Session Sponsor $1,000
- Naming recognition on one student session (e.g., Branding, Website Development, Marketing, etc.)
- Opportunity for company representative to attend and participate in the sponsored session
- Logo recognition in session agenda
- Recognition on AMPLIFY Clearwater’s website and social media
Mentor Sponsor $1,000
- Recognition as a Mentorship Champion supporting mentor training, materials, and student-mentor engagement
- Logo placement in YEA! mentor handbook
- Mention in mentor/student spotlight posts on AMPLIFY Clearwater social media
Celebration Sponsor $1,000
- Recognition as sponsor of the end-of-year student graduation and showcase
- Logo on event signage and materials
- Recognition in press release and social media coverage
Full-Scholarship $995
- Provides one student with full tuition support
- Recognition in student graduation program and YEA! website
- Personal thank-you note from the sponsored student
- Ensure every student has the opportunity to participate in YEA! regardless of financial need.
WORKSHOPS & BOOTCAMPS
WORKSHOPS
& BOOTCAMPS
SMALL BIZ WORKSHOP CALENDAR
11:30am-1pm
- Tuesday, October 21st, 2025
- Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
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.