Tell us your idea.
A problem you notice. People you want to help. Something you wish existed. Use your own words; you don’t need to have it all figured out.
K–12 ENTREPRENEURS, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT
Your big idea.
A real business.
Let’s build it.
You bring the spark. We bring the tech team. The IGNITE Entrepreneurship Scholarship helps students turn an idea into something people can actually use—and buy.
No coding skills. No perfect business plan. Just your idea and a willingness to try.
A TECH PARTNER FOR YOUR NEXT CHAPTER
Up to $96,000
to bring your idea to life.
In professional technology services from Hitcents’ developers, designers, and strategists, working on the Handrail platform.
$0Equity taken
Your company stays yours.
$0Repayment
A scholarship, not a loan.
2 yearsOf support
Build, launch, learn, and iterate.
SMALL SPARKS. BIG POSSIBILITIES.
No idea is too big.
Or too small.
Every idea will be considered. If your business could benefit from a tech partner, this opportunity is for you. We’re here to help you build a business in the real world—not just a cool tech demo.
Build with a team.
If selected, work with experienced people who can help turn your idea into a website, mobile app, workflow, AI solution, or another useful product.
Go be a business owner.
Talk to customers. Try to make a sale. Listen, improve, and try again. The goal is something real, with you learning how to run it.
WHAT COULD YOU BUILD?
That idea you
can’t stop thinking about?
Let’s make it real.
A website for your service. An app your community needs. A smarter way to solve a problem. You bring the imagination. We help with the technology.
Your idea doesn’t need to fit in a box.
ROOM TO BUILD. TIME TO GROW.
Two years.
One next step.
From the first sketch to the first launch, then the learning that comes after. The award provides services, not a cash payment.
Up to $72,000
Strategy, UX/UI design, software development, launch, and Handrail platform access.
Up to $24,000
Hosting, platform access, continued technical support, and development as you learn from real customers.
In-kind award; no cash payment. Value reflects standard commercial pricing, up to the stated maximum. No equity or repayment required. An application does not guarantee an award.
PENCIL FIRST. PIXELS LATER.
You can start
with a sketch.
Draw what someone would see and do. Label a button. Sketch a screen. A rough idea is enough—and uploading a design is optional.
Download the design sheet ↓One page. Print it, draw on it, make it yours. Educators: share it with your class.
YOUR IDEA DOESN’T HAVE TO STAY AN IDEA.
Let’s see what you’ve got.
Set up your profile, save your progress, and submit when you’re ready. You can apply once per window and come back for future rounds.
Your profile shows published application windows and their deadlines. You can create a profile even when submissions are closed.
Begin my application ↗LET’S TALK
A question is
a great start.
Students, parents, and educators: ask us about IGNITE, the application, or how a tech partner could help.
Do I need to know how to code?
No. You bring the idea, and the tech team helps with the technology if you’re selected.
Can I apply again?
Yes. Submit one application per window. Your profile keeps your previous submissions and updates, and you can apply in a future window.
Does my design have to look professional?
No. A hand-drawn sketch, PNG, or PDF can help explain your idea. Designs are optional. Your words are enough to apply.
FOR TEACHERS & EDUCATORS
Help a big idea
find its spark.
Bring IGNITE to your classroom. Share the scholarship with families, invite your school to get involved, and give students a place to sketch what comes next.
Download the Ignite Entrepreneurship Media KitFree ZIP download · Print-ready PDFs + editable Word letters
A little kit. A big first step.
- Scholarship flyerPost it, print it, pass it on.
- IGNITE sketch pageMake room for your students’ ideas.
- Letter to parentsIntroduce the opportunity to families.
- Letter to administratorsInvite your school or board to help spread the word.
- Letter to teachersLearn what the scholarship offers and how to apply.