Ongoing and Future Programs

Microbusiness Consulting Program

Saint Peter’s students gain real-life experience assisting small, local businesses in several roles. This innovative, interdisciplinary program allows students to network, develop and strengthen skills, and help foster relationships with fellow entrepreneurs.

Innovation Fellows Program

Paid internships are awarded to high-performing students in various majors to assist local micro-businesses and organizations with relevant projects, with a focus on strengthening the businesses and enhancing growth. Students are able to learn a variety of skills while making a positive impact on the local community.

Local Living Economy Summit

This much anticipated annual event gives students the opportunity to be among a diverse number of local entrepreneurs, philanthropists, advocacy groups and nonprofits, business leaders, and policymakers to generate solutions to economic development issues and address the challenges faced by local business owners and entrepreneurs.

On-Campus Training Opportunities

Throughout the year, the Institute offers engaging workshops and training that are dedicated to strengthening the necessary skills and knowledge students will need to be career-ready upon entering the workforce and business world.

Peacock Pitch Entrepreneurship Competition

The Ignite Institute for Business Innovation partners with Mission 50 to bring together select students to take part in its annual entrepreneurship competition. Students can create a one-of-a-kind business and pitch it to fellow sharks for a chance to win a prize to jump-start their business. Students attend numerous workshops to gain knowledge on financials, marketing, public speaking, etc.

Town and Gown Project

In a dynamic partnership with the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, Saint Peter’s features the annual Senior Business Student Consulting Town and Gown Project. This collaborative business seminar provides consulting experience to students, while also providing valuable insights to owners of small businesses.

Student-Driven Activities

Students join local vendors as fellow business owners during student-driven sales and expos on campus during the school year. In addition to supporting local businesses, students are empowered and learn how to build their brands and sales skills.

Entrepreneur in Residence Program

The Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) program provides mentorship and expertise from experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals for Saint Peter’s students. The monthly EIR lunch series includes workshops and hands-on training in digital marketing, sales, business plans, budgeting, and other key steps in starting and growing a business. The program partners with SCORE mentors and is funded by Investors Bank.

The Ignite Institute strives to develop more strategic partnerships while serving as a resource to the local community. Interested in developing a partnership with The Ignite Institute? Contact ignite@saintpeters.edu.