Business Innovation
Building Thriving Businesses and Communities
What is the NHTI Business Innovation Initiative?
The NHTI Business Innovation Initiative empowers underserved entrepreneurs—including BIPOC, women, LGBTQ+, and small business owners—by providing the mentorship, training, and resources essential for growth and sustainability. This initiative tackles challenges like limited technical skills, financial literacy, and capital access, helping entrepreneurs strengthen their business foundations and contribute to a resilient local economy.
CAUSE
Entrepreneurs face gaps in technical skills, financial literacy, and funding.
EFFECT
Often results in business failure, limited growth, and a lack of lasting impact.
ACTION
Hands-on training with access to funding pathways, we help entrepreneurs succeed, creating jobs and fueling local innovation.
The Business Ignite Programming
The Business Ignite Programming empowers entrepreneurs by providing essential business knowledge and hands-on training. This comprehensive program covers financial literacy, marketing, and strategic growth, ensuring participants build a solid foundation for long-term success.
Founders Circle Ignite with 100State | Fall 2024
In partnership with 100State, Founders Circle Ignite focuses on helping early-stage entrepreneurs refine their business strategies and accelerate growth. This program provides a collaborative space for tech startups and scalable businesses to gain insights from industry experts.
Expert-Led Workshops
Covering business strategy, product-market fit, and scalability.
Peer Collaboration
Group sessions where entrepreneurs share experiences and feedback.
Investor Pitch Preparation
Guidance on crafting compelling pitches for potential investors.
Benefits
→ Access to industry mentors with proven expertise
→ Opportunities for strategic partnerships and funding
→ A structured plan to scale businesses efficiently
→ Opportunities for strategic partnerships and funding
→ A structured plan to scale businesses efficiently
Ideal For
New and existing business owners looking to strengthen their operational capabilities
Outcome
Graduates leave the program with a solid business plan, enhanced confidence, and an expanded network of supportive peers
The Business Ignite Programme | Spring 2025
An 11-week structured course designed for entrepreneurs who seek foundational knowledge to build and grow their businesses. This program offers essential training in financial literacy, branding, marketing, and soft skills, ensuring participants are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Financial Literacy Training
Participants learn to manage budgets, interpret financial statements, and create sustainable financial plans.
Branding and Marketing Workshops
Sessions dedicated to developing a strong brand identity and effective marketing strategies.
Soft Skills Development
Emphasis on leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
Benefits
→ Actionable knowledge that can be immediately applied
→ Hands-on workshops with real-world business scenarios
→ Personalized mentorship to address individual business challenges
→ Hands-on workshops with real-world business scenarios
→ Personalized mentorship to address individual business challenges
Ideal For
New and existing business owners looking to strengthen their operational capabilities
Outcome
Graduates leave the program with a solid business plan, enhanced confidence, and an expanded network of supportive peers
Shared Platform for Accelerating Resource & Knowledge – S.P.A.R.K.
S.P.A.R.K. fosters a collaborative environment where entrepreneurs share resources and insights. Through community-driven programs like workshops, project work nights, and networking events, participants gain support and innovative solutions to overcome challenges together.
Project Work Night
A semi-monthly event that provides entrepreneurs with a focused environment to work on business projects. With the support of peers and mentors, participants stay accountable and make meaningful progress.
Guided Check-Ins
Regular progress updates to keep participants on track
Mentor Feedback
Opportunities to receive constructive feedback from experienced professionals
Work Sprints
Dedicated time blocks to tackle specific business tasks
Benefits
→ Enhanced productivity through a structured work environment
→ Constructive peer-to-peer interaction for feedback and encouragement
→ Consistent progress with measurable outcomes
→ Constructive peer-to-peer interaction for feedback and encouragement
→ Consistent progress with measurable outcomes
Ideal For
Entrepreneurs who need structure, accountability, and collaborative input for ongoing projects
Outcome
Increased project completion rates and overall business growth
NHTI Lunch and Learn Series
Offers a practical approach to business learning. These hands-on sessions engage participants through real-world business scenarios and group problem-solving exercises.
Interactive Workshops
Sessions that include case studies, role-playing, and real-time problem-solving
Collaborative Discussions
Group activities that foster idea sharing and collective learning
Industry-Specific Insights
Led by experts who bring in-depth knowledge of relevant business topics
Benefits
→ Immediate application of lessons learned to business operations
→ Strengthened problem-solving and decision-making skills
→ Opportunities to network and build lasting professional relationships
→ Strengthened problem-solving and decision-making skills
→ Opportunities to network and build lasting professional relationships
Ideal For
Business owners and entrepreneurs who prefer dynamic, hands-on learning experiences
Outcome
Participants leave with practical strategies and actionable solutions to enhance their business operations
Leaders Network
A monthly event series focused on fostering connections and facilitating lead exchanges among small business owners.
Networking Sessions
Opportunities to meet and build relationships with other entrepreneurs
Best Practice Sharing
Participants share insights on what has worked for their businesses
Lead Exchange Platform
A structured system to connect potential business opportunities
Benefits
→ Enhanced business development through new partnerships
→ Knowledge-sharing that leads to innovation and efficiency
→ A strong support network for long-term growth
→ Knowledge-sharing that leads to innovation and efficiency
→ A strong support network for long-term growth
Ideal For
Small business owners looking to expand their professional networks and business opportunities
Outcome
A more connected and collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem
Networking Events and Workshops Offered by Partners
Partner-led events that complement NHTI’s core programming by providing additional learning and networking opportunities.
Industry-specific workshops
Panels featuring expert speakers
Informal networking opportunities
The Innovation Internship and Fellowship Program
Bridges academic learning with real-world business experience. Participants work alongside local businesses on impactful projects, gaining practical skills and valuable mentorship to prepare for future career success.
Hands-On Project Experience
Interns and fellows contribute directly to business projects that make a real impact
Leadership and Skill Development
Training focused on building leadership capabilities and enhancing expertise in finance and marketing
Personalized Mentorship
Regular guidance from experienced business leaders to support growth and career readiness
The NHTI Catalyst Lending Program
Supports underserved entrepreneurs by providing flexible microloans and financial mentorship. This initiative helps businesses overcome financial barriers, enabling growth and stability that contribute to local economic development.
Flexible Microloan Options
Accessible, low-interest financing to support business expansion, staffing, and equipment needs
Financial Mentoring and Guidance
Ongoing mentorship to help participants manage funds effectively and build financial sustainability
Workshops for Financial Growth
Training sessions aimed at enhancing financial knowledge and establishing a solid financial foundation