Why we do what we do
Ignite Capital is a social impact fund with the mission to…
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Empower and resource Baltimore social enterprises in economically distressed communities
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Support the overall efforts of these social enterprises to attract future investments in support of their mission
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Contribute to ongoing efforts in ensuring Baltimore neighborhoods are thriving sustainably
In February of 2020, Innovation Works founded Ignite Capital, a Maryland nonstock corporation. Ignite Capital is designed to empower Baltimore social enterprises in economically distressed communities by providing the financial resources required to spur economic activity and rebuild their neighborhood economies through entrepreneurship. Ignite Capital identifies social enterprises committed to creating a better future for lower-income communities. These enterprises lack access to capital due to traditional lenders' unwillingness to take risks on nontraditional borrowers, venture capitalists' lack of interest in funding community-oriented startups, and philanthropists' reluctance to capitalize on such entrepreneurs. Ignite Capital's place-based focus helps distressed communities prepare for economic activity and develop a viable market, expanding broader impact opportunities.
Our Impact
as of September 2022
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$663K+
in investments made by Ignite Capital
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$1.5M+
in investments by our Co-Investor Network
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$45K
in micro-grants for pre-revenue enterprises