We Invest In People

Ignite Capital partners closely with Innovation Works, tapping into this relationship to find and support promising social entrepreneurs in Baltimore. This connection serves as a vital source of potential investments, funneling projects nurtured and endorsed by Innovation Works directly to Ignite Capital. This ensures that our investments go beyond just financial support; we're investing in the people who are committed to making a tangible difference in their communities.  Innovation Works’ and Ignite Capital’s long-term objectives are deeply rooted in an equity framework in order to significantly increase the number of sustainable social enterprises led primarily by Black entrepreneurs in Baltimore.

Susan Clayton, Founder of WhitePaws RunMitts

"I am immensely grateful for the funding support provided by Ignite Capital. My venture would not have survived without their belief in my business and financial assistance. Through their generous funding, I fulfilled a large order from the outdoor retailer REI, which proved to be a major turning point for my business. Additionally, the guidance and mentorship offered by the Innovation Works team have been instrumental in driving my business forward. Their expertise and support have been invaluable in helping me navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. I cannot express enough appreciation for Ignite Capital and Innovation Works' critical role in supporting my business." - Susan Clayton

 

       

Ignite Capital is designed with the social entrepreneurial spirit in mind. Ignite Capital offers a different approach to meeting entrepreneurs where they are (from pipeline to portfolio) and embracing risks that may come with the moment. We prioritize enterprises that are advancing racial, spatial, and economic equity in Baltimore City. We focus on local leaders who face systemic biases in raising investment and tailor offerings to meet these entrepreneurs where they are with below market interest rates and diverse financial products. We leverage post-investment support from Innovation Works and connect to later-stage funds to facilitate and sustain growth.

Ignite Capital offers stage-appropriate and sector agnostic financing from go-to-market stage through post-revenue stage enterprises, minimizing debt burden for entrepreneurs.  We seek to be catalytic by directly crowding in capital from co-investors and more broadly building the field of impact investing.

Investing Range

Integrated Capital Offerings Up To $150,000

We invest in Social Enterprises and the individuals who found, lead, and love them,
We work alongside them to design the most appropriate tool for their business model.
Our current portfolio of enterprises have been invested in with instruments such as
​Small Grants, Recoverable Loans, Purchase Order Financing, Patient Debt, and Venture Debt.

Prioritizing Enterprise

Ignite Capital prioritizes enterprises that are advancing racial, spatial, and economic equity in Baltimore City. We focus on local leaders who face systemic biases in raising investment and tailor offerings to meet these entrepreneurs where they are with below market interest rates and diverse financial products. We leverage post-investment support from Innovation Works and connect to later-stage funds to facilitate and sustain growth.

Ignite Capital offers stage-appropriate and sector agnostic financing from go-to-market stage through post-revenue stage enterprises, minimizing debt burden for entrepreneurs.  We seek to be catalytic by directly crowding in capital from co-investors and more broadly building the field of impact investing.