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EngenuitySC and Wells Fargo Annouce New Ignite 2011 Contest to Support Innovative Change in Columbia

Submitted by: Emily Brady on Oct 20, 2011 at 1:53 pm Tagged with: Economic Development, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Knowledge Economy Source: EngenuitySC

ENGENUITYSC AND WELLS FARGO ANNOUNCE NEW IGNITE 2011 CONTEST TO SUPPORT INNOVATIVE CHANGE IN COLUMBIA
$5,000 to be Awarded to Top Finalists at Ignite Leadership Conference November 16

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- EngenuitySC, a public/private partnership formed to develop and grow the South Carolina Midlands’ knowledge-based economy, has partnered with Wells Fargo to announce its first-ever Ignite 2011 contest to reward those with innovative ideas about how to start something in the Midlands. The top finalists will present their ideas to a live audience, who will then vote and select a winner at EngenuitySC’s 8th annual Ignite leadership conference , on Wednesday, November 16, at The Zone Williams Brice Stadium. Wells Fargo will present $5,000 to be divided by the top finalists. The theme of this year’s Ignite conference is “start something” and will focus on celebrating Columbia’s homegrown entrepreneurs and talent.

The contest is open to the public and seeking individuals or organizations with ideas about how to “start something” in the Midlands. Submissions should address the change that is needed and offer a tangible idea to accomplish this. Some examples could include creating or improving a new business, beginning a new public initiative or project, or supporting a social cause. Originally scheduled to close October 16, the submission deadline has been extended to Friday, October 28, 2011. Applicants are asked to create and upload a two minute video to YouTube or Vimeo explaining their idea in addition to submitting a written application available at www.engenuitysfc.com/ignite.

“Wells Fargo is proud to support those who take a risk to bring about entrepreneurial change,” said Holt Chetwood, Midlands Market President for Wells Fargo. “We want to show that entrepreneurship isn’t just starting a new business or enterprise. It’s a movement that covers all facets of society. We’re proud to support organizations like EngenuitySC who work to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship every day.”

All submissions will be reviewed, and finalists will be selected by a panel of diverse judges representing all facets of Columbia’s business, arts, and social scene to present their ideas live to the audience at Ignite 2011. Panelists will include: Dan Cook, Editor at The Free Times; Andy Smith, Executive Director of the Nickelodeon Theatre; Barbara Blau, President of DP Professionals; Heather Mitchell, Principal at the Boudreaux Group; Katherine Swartz, Executive Director of Columbia Opportunity Resource; Katie Fox of TedX Columbia and Director of Theater Operations at Midlands Technical College and John Denise of Advanced Automation Consulting (AAC).

More information on the contest and Ignite 2011can be found at www.engenuitysc.com/ignite. Ignite will take place Wednesday, November 16th from 5:15pm-8:00pm. It will be at The Zone at Williams-Brice Stadium. Tickets are on sale now. Sponsorships are available, but selling quickly.

About EngenuitySC
Headquartered in Columbia, EngenuitySC is public/private partnership formed to develop and grow the South Carolina Midlands’ knowledge-based economy by fostering an environment where entrepreneurship, innovation, and the creation of knowledge are fundamental elements of the region’s culture, identity, and economic development strategy. Through collaboration with business, government, and higher education, EngenuitySC leads initiatives that support research development, promote commercialization, and leverage the region’s assets.

About Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a nationwide, diversified, community-based financial services company with $1.3 trillion in assets. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo provides banking, insurance, investments, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance through more than 9,000 stores, 12,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com and wachovia.com), and other distribution channels across North America and internationally. With more than 270,000 team members, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in America. Wells Fargo & Company was ranked No. 23 on Fortune’s 2011 rankings of America’s largest corporations. Wells Fargo’s vision is to satisfy all our customers’ financial needs and help them succeed financially.