Rural Ignite Business Accelerator
Equipping Leaders to create thriving organizations and businesses toward sustainability.
Rural Ignite equips small business and nonprofit leaders to strengthen operations, build financial clarity, and implement growth systems. Through focused accelerator tracks, participants gain actionable strategies, expert mentorship, and a collaborative network to drive measurable impact.
We aim to ensure that small business owners and organizational leaders are prepared to scale and develop their organizations confidently.
Accelerator Courses
Discover the topics our accelerator tracks will cover. Each track is one day a week for four weeks.
Business Finance Foundations
Financial Clarity for Confident Growth
Understand your costs, revenues, and cash flow so you can make smarter business decisions. This track gives you the financial literacy and forecasting tools to plan ahead and grow sustainably.
Instructor
Bryan Feil
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Bryan Feil is passionate about seeing businesses thrive in the Central Valley. From helping to start Neighborhood Industries, running Lanna Coffee Co, working on Real Estate across the country, to leading Entrepreneurship at the Center for Community Transformation, Bryan has been invested in this space for nearly 20 years.
Culinary Pathways
Equipping Food Entrepreneurs for Success
Designed for food entrepreneurs ready to grow, this track walks you through business planning, compliance, and scaling—from home-based operations to retail or restaurant ventures—so your passion becomes a sustainable enterprise.
Instructor
Tim Lambert
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Tim Lambert is a dedicated advocate for small business innovation and community-driven success. With over 35 years in the food service industry and two decades as a small business owner, Tim brings deep operational insight and hands-on experience to every venture he supports.
Sales through Service
Serve First. Sell Better.
Equip people to serve with excellence, sell with empathy, and grow through teamwork and feedback.
Instructor
Bertha Flores
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As owner and principal consultant of Harvest House Business Consulting, Bertha Flores helps small businesses grow through customer experience, sales, and community. Empowering owners to serve with excellence and build lasting relationships.
Marketing + Branding
Brand with Purpose. Market with Clarity.
Gain clarity on your audience, refine your message, and use effective digital tools to connect authentically with your ideal customer. Build a brand that attracts, not just advertises.
Instructor
Gordon Howell
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Gordon Howell, hailing from Clovis, California, is a creative professional with over 13 years of experience in video production, marketing, and storytelling. Today, he serves businesses and nonprofits through video, photo, marketing, and other creative solutions.
Non-Profit Catalyst
Sustainable Nonprofits. Lasting Community Impact.
For nonprofit leaders ready to strengthen their mission, team, and structure. Learn how to clarify your purpose, build partnerships, and create lasting systems that help your organization thrive for years to come.
Instructor
Andrew Feil
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Andrew Feil, Executive Director of Every Neighborhood Partnership, brings over 15 years of experience to the non-profit sector, specializing in activating, equipping, and mobilizing community members for positive transformation. With a background in Social and Civic Entrepreneurship, he is dedicated to empowering others to become decision-makers and create healthy, thriving neighborhoods.
