How We Work

Everything we do places our clients at the centre of the plan.  We curate support that is targeted to an individual no matter how far they have progressed in their self-employment journey.  We provide a mix of workshops, 1:1 support sessions, networking events and specialised industry activities.

Ignite Client Journey

Ignite can provide as little or as much support as you need to develop your business idea.  For people at idea stage we offer workshops and resources for developing their idea.   For those a little further in their journey, and if you are a female located in NSW or VIC, we can offer 1:1 mentoring.   For everyone, we can offer networking and skill building activities.  Read on for further detail on how our program works.

First we like to understand more about why you contacted us, what support you are looking for and what your end goal is.

Based on our communication with you, we will provide you advice on whether you need to spend more time developing your skills and experience before joining our mentoring program.    We have lots of opportunities for you to join us for workshops and networking until you are ready.  We can also connect you with training and employment pathways.

To be able to be considered for the Ignite 1:1 mentoring program, you will need;

  • A clear idea for self employment ( we do not develop multiple ideas- you need a single idea)
  • Skills and experience that match your idea.   For example, if you wish to start a business teaching guitar, you need to have guitar teaching skills
  • Passion and motivation.  Starting up your own gig will have its challenges!   The only way to survive the challenges is to have a high level of motivation.
  • You need to have time and capacity to develop the idea.   We are not going to start or run this operation for you.  You will be doing all the work and we will be guiding and connecting you.
  • The idea must be legal.
  • And in 2024 and 2025, we are focusing our support on women.

Still not sure if self-employment is for you?   Join one of our sessions to learn about the fundamentals that you will need to include in your self-employment journey.

We offer a number of opportunities to learn more.  These skill building activities are offered in formats that are fun, conversational, interactive and provide lots of choice for working at your pace.

View our Course & Event calendar for more detail.

By now you have spent some time ensuring your idea is real and you have been through the fundamentals course.   You will be given some tasks or homework to test your motivation.   If you can achieve those tasks, then you will be matched with your new facilitator.  This is an exciting milestone!   Time to enjoy 1:1 mentoring.

In this stage, you will develop or strengthen the components of your business. This may include trading requirements, compliance, financial management, marketing and lots and lots of product and service testing.   We will connect you with industry experts to help you progress through this stage.  For every step your facilitator will be walking alongside you.

Our goal is to help you operate independently with confidence.   In talking with your facilitator, there will be a point when you do not need regular 1:1 mentoring.   Your service or business will be listed on the Ignite Business Directory. We will continue to send you any opportunities to join us for upskilling, networking and if relevant, we can offer economic opportunities for your business.  For example, some of Ignite’s past clients regularly supply catering support to SSI and Ignite.

Are you female and already started a business but need some help? Click here to apply for support.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Ignite:

Ignite is a social enterprise that enables individuals to learn, be mentored and connect, helping them to explore self-employment.

The social enterprise was established by SSI in 2013, and been delivering projects and programs consistently for the past 11 years.  As a social enterprise, Ignite is committed to business for good, and has supported over 2000 entrepreneurs from minority communities to develop their business ideas in a sustainable and ethical way.

Ignite’s impact goals are to help build skills and capability, foster social cohesion and help people participate economically.

IgniteAbility is a tailored program that is design by and for people with disability.  The program delivers support at the pace, capacity and capability of the client.

The program was established in 2016 and is disability led and co-designed.      To find out more visit our IgniteAbility program page.

Ignite head office is based in Marrickville, NSW, however we have Ignite hubs operating across Greater Sydney   We also operate in Victoria, with a hub in Greater Melbourne,    We can support people remotely from across the East Coast of Australia.

SSI is a national not-for-profit organisation.

SSI provides dedicated human and social services to a diverse Australia. SSI supports individuals, children, families and communities via a range of vital human services, from settlement support of newcomers and refugees, through to programs in employment and education, and health, wellbeing and social supports for all Australians, new and old.

Ignite Support:

Ignite is a self funded social enterprise.    We are reliant on funding, and this means that our eligibility changes from time to time.  Our workshops and networking events are generally accessible to all.    However our 1:1 mentoring is funding specific.

To find out our current eligibility for 1:1 mentoring, visit our Referral Page.

To be able to be considered for the Ignite 1:1 mentoring program, you will need;

  • A clear idea for self employment ( we do not develop multiple ideas- you need a single idea)
  • Skills and experience that match your idea.   For example, if you wish to start a business teaching guitar, you need to have guitar teaching skills
  • Passion and motivation.  Starting up your own gig will have its challenges!   The only way to survive the challenges is to have a high level of motivation.
  • You need to have time and capacity to develop the idea.   We are not going to start or run this operation for you.  You will be doing all the work and we will be guiding and connecting you.
  • The idea must be legal.

Contact us if you are unsure if you are ready.

We do not provide any funding for your business.

We have previously supported entrepreneurs in other regional areas. Email us at ignite@ssi.org.au with your enquiry and we’ll contact you to discuss.