Ignition Gives New and Early-Stage Entrepreneurs the Confidence to Keep Going

The latest FEO Ignition programme has once again it has shown why it is one of our most popular and valuable programmes, focusing on new and early-stage businesses.

Sixteen people took part in this latest cohort, made up of entrepreneurs who were either thinking about starting a business or had already launched one less than two years ago. Some came with just an idea, while others were already trading, but all shared the same commitment to learning, growing and strengthening their future plans.

Ignition is free to take part in, but participants commit their time and energy to all four sessions, followed by a 90-day catch-up to see what has changed. That simple structure helps create real momentum.

This latest group was made up mostly of service-based businesses, alongside a welcome mix of food and farming businesses too, including one beef producer and one working with vegetables and game.

Learning from experience

What makes FEO programmes different is that they are delivered by entrepreneurs who volunteer their time to share real experiences, lessons and practical advice. For Ignition, the sessions are grounded in real business life, with honest conversations about the common pitfalls and the mindset needed to keep going.

Participants said they found each session valuable, that the business stories were real, and that they gained useful tips and strong knowledge to help build the foundations of their new businesses.

Four sessions, one clear purpose

This year’s programme included four sessions designed to support participants at different stages of their business journey.

The first session, It’s Personal, was led by Christina Colmer McHugh and focused on the mindset and personal side of entrepreneurship.

The second session introduced something new, with Leon McQuade leading an AI basics session and Megan Nicklas from John Good Group delivering a marketing session. Both were extremely well received, with participants saying the content was highly relevant.

The third session, Money Matters, was renamed from Finance to make the subject more approachable. It underlined how important numbers are in every business. The session featured Rebecca Dymond, Amy Gray, Pete Dearing from Smailes Goldie, and James and Lauren from Gosschalks.

The final session, Make it happen, was led by Nic Johnson, Sally Wray and Peter Aarosin. Participants finished by writing a postcard to themselves to open again in 90 days, giving them a chance to reflect on their progress.

A shift in mindset

The feedback also showed how much the programme helped people think differently about their business and themselves.

Participants said they changed the way they think about workforce opportunities, sales, planning and budgeting. Others spoke about feeling more positive, more confident and more prepared to move forward.

That kind of change is exactly what Ignition is designed to create.

A supportive community

Many participants also valued meeting others in the same boat and hearing about different business journeys. They enjoyed the chance to connect with experienced business owners and fellow start-ups.

Thank you

A huge thank you goes to everyone who contributed their time and expertise to this latest programme, including Christina Colmer McHugh, Leon McQuade, Megan Nicklas, Rebecca Dymond, Amy Gray, Pete Dearing, James and Lauren, Nic Johnson, Sally Wray and Peter Aarosin.

We’d also like to thank John Good for hosting us, and April and the wider FEO team for their ongoing support.

Every participant said they would recommend Ignition to a friend or colleague, with an overall score of 10/10.

Ignition may run again in the Autumn if there is enough interest. To register interest, please email info@forentrepreneursonly.co.uk.