How the Ignite Accelerator Is Turning Local Entrepreneurs into Regional Leaders

Listen now: Start your journey by tuning into the Founder's Collective Podcast, where real rural entrepreneurs share their wins, lessons, and inspiration.

Apply today: If you're a rural entrepreneur (or aspiring one!) in Fond du Lac County or the surrounding area, consider applying for the Ignite Rural Accelerator program through Envision Greater Fond du Lac.

In a world often focused on metropolitan innovation hubs and startup ecosystems found in big cities, it's easy to forget the deep entrepreneurial roots that run through rural America. But these roots are alive, well, and—thanks to initiatives like the Ignite Rural Accelerator—growing stronger by the day.

Entrepreneurship has never belonged to urban areas alone.

In fact, much of America’s entrepreneurial grit was born out of small towns, barns, garages, and Main Streets across the country. Rural entrepreneurs are uniquely resourceful, deeply embedded in their communities, and often motivated by more than just profit. Their businesses solve real, local problems. They create jobs where they’re needed most. And they help communities retain their character while moving toward a stronger economic future.

That’s exactly why the Ignite Rural Accelerator exists: to fuel and fast-track these powerful local visions.

Created by Envision Greater Fond du Lac, this program offers rural business owners and founders an opportunity to pause, reflect, and strategize. For many rural entrepreneurs, the daily demands of running a business leave little room for long-term planning. But planning is where sustainable growth begins.

Over the course of several weeks, participants in the Accelerator work through core areas of business development—everything from refining their business model and value proposition to strengthening their marketing and sales strategies. They’re guided by local experts, supported by peers, and challenged to think bigger.

Even more importantly, the Accelerator is rooted in a rural mindset. It recognizes the unique challenges and opportunities rural businesses face and helps owners build strategies that work in their own communities.

For business owners who may feel isolated or uncertain of their next step, the Ignite Rural Accelerator offers structure, connection, and clarity. It gives them a chance to step outside the daily grind and focus on their long-term vision—something that’s difficult to do alone but transformational when done with support.

Our podcast, Founder's Collective, was born out of the same mission. We wanted to give rural entrepreneurs a space to be seen, heard, and encouraged. In our interview episodes, we discuss real business owners from small towns and rural communities, people who are doing the work, facing the challenges, and finding creative solutions in ways that deserve to be celebrated. You’ll find lessons in leadership, marketing, hiring, funding, and what it means to balance business with real life.

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of launching something in your small town… or if you’re already running a business but feeling stuck… or if you just want to hear what it sounds like when someone builds something beautiful out of humble beginnings, please:

Listen to Founder's Collective. It’s made for you.

And if you’re ready to take the next step in your business journey:

Apply for the Ignite Rural Accelerator.

The world doesn’t just need more entrepreneurs, it needs more rural entrepreneurs.

And we believe yours might be the next big story to tell.