Catalyst Center, Junior League create Ignite program, scholarship

MADISON COUNTY — Two local women’s organizations have sealed a partnership for an initiative to assist female entrepreneurs.

The Women’s Business Center with The Catalyst Center for Business & Entrepreneurship has partnered with The Junior League of Huntsville to help women with the overwhelming tasks to start or grow a business.

The Women’s Business Center exists to support women who want to launch their own small businesses in North Alabama. To further this mission, The Catalyst partnered with Junior League to establish both the Ignite Program and the Ignition Scholarship.

“At The Catalyst, we are passionate about seeing small businesses succeed,” Catalyst CEO Lisa Mays said. “With Junior League’s commitment to developing women’s potential, this was a perfect fit for our Women’s Business Center through which to offer new opportunities to women in our community. We believe in women uplifting women, and this collaboration embodies that.”

The Ignite Program is a half-day workshop covering all vital stages of entrepreneurial development. Ignite graduates will leave with the confidence to properly execute their business startup plan after attending sessions led by esteemed local attorneys, CPAs, business coaches and other experts.

“The potential for women’s innovation in our community is infinite. This partnership will allow us to provide even more in-depth training to small businesses,” Jennifer Stewart said. Stewart is WBC Program Director at The Catalyst.

Sponsored by Junior League, the Ignition Scholarship will provide training, networking opportunities and funding to the recipient. Qualified applicants will satisfy predetermined training and technical assistance from WBC. The first scholarship recipient will be announced in late spring.

“We are honored to be partnering with such an esteemed women’s business training organization,” Junior League President Hayley Lamberth said. “By helping establish both Ignite and the Ignition Scholarship, we hope to facilitate more opportunities for women in the greater Huntsville and Madison County communities.”

This new relationship between Catalyst Center and Junior League extends resources to women at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

For more information about Junior League of Huntsville, visit jlhuntsville.com.

The Catalyst Center’s address is 515 Sparkman Drive NW in Huntsville. For more information about Ignite, call 256-428-8190, email wbc@catalystcenter.org or visit catalystcenter.org.