Jersey City, N.J. – April 27, 2015 – The Ignite Institute at Saint Peter’s University today announced that it has been awarded with a Seed Fund Grant from SILVERMAN, a Hudson County real estate developer. The Ignite Institute is a Center of Excellence at Saint Peter’s, which was developed through a partnership with Rising Tide Capital, a non-profit organization based in Jersey City which is dedicated to transforming lives and communities through entrepreneurship. Ignite provides thought leadership, academic research and direct educational service for local entrepreneurs. The grant from SILVERMAN will be used as seed money to jumpstart these initiatives.
“We believe that being aligned with SILVERMAN is an ideal partnership because they have done so much to deliberately seek businesses and tenants that bring value to the surrounding neighborhoods,” said Mary Kate Naatus, Ph.D., acting director of the Ignite Institute at Saint Peter’s University. “The events, activities and festivals that SILVERMAN sponsors are building a stronger sense of neighborhood and engaging people of all ages while at the same time highlighting our local entrepreneurs, artists, musicians and community advocates.”
SILVERMAN is a strategic partner of the Ignite Institute and has a mission that is very much aligned with the Institute and Saint Peter’s University, which involves building a better Jersey City and urban community. The grant will be awarded to the Ignite Institute for the next two years.
“We are thrilled to be supporting the new Ignite Institute,” said Paul Silverman, a principal of SILVERMAN. “This grant furthers our mission of entrepreneurial development in our neighborhoods. Strong retail and commercial business lead to exciting, sustainable neighborhoods.”
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Saint Peter’s University, inspired by its Jesuit, Catholic identity, commitment to individual attention and grounding in the liberal arts, educates a diverse community of learners in undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and professional programs to excel intellectually, lead ethically, serve compassionately and promote justice in our ever-changing urban and global environment. To learn more, please visit www.saintpeters.edu.
Since 1981, brothers Eric and Paul Silverman, founders and principals of SILVERMAN, have played a significant role in the renewal of Jersey City. The Silvermans, and their real estate company, SILVERMAN, have restored historic landmarks, developed award-winning mixed-use buildings, and supported the community with generous philanthropy. Their developments include Charles & Co., Hamilton Square, Two Ten 9th Street, Schroeder Lofts, Park Foundry, Majestic Theatre Condominiums, Padua Court, The Merit Building and Whittier House. Through their work, SILVERMAN has enhanced the architectural character of historic neighborhoods, spurred economic development, and brought exciting new retail and commercial ventures to Jersey City. Their philosophy is summarized in their company tag line: “Building Neighborhoods.”
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