Ignite Portsmouth Alumni: Ben Shinkle
SSU Student Ben Shinkle won Ignite Portsmouth 2022 with his idea of Breaker’s Processing, a metal and wire recycling business.
The 2nd annual Ignite Portsmouth Bootcamp and Pitch Competition kicked off last Spring. Over a dozen individuals took part in the 8-week program while learning entrepreneurial skills, developing their business ideas, working with mentors, and perfecting their final pitches.
Ben Shinkle took home first place in the pitch competition, held on June 30th, for his idea of Breaker’s Processing, a metal and wire recycling business. Ben, a marketing major at Shawnee State University, says that Ignite Portsmouth helped him to expand the family business beyond its infancy.
“As all good entrepreneurs know, small businesses can grow,” said Ben. “That’s why I chose to enter the competition. Breaker’s Processing has actually been around for several years, but Ignite helped me to expand beyond that and the prize money has helped me take it further.”
Ben won the grand prize of $2,000 and will also get to pitch in front of the Tri-State Angel Investment Group. But he says what he took away from the bootcamp was just as rewarding.
“It was a constant exchange of ideas,” said Ben. “We were all trying to put ourselves out there and help each other grow.” According to Ben, Ignite Portsmouth participants became more than competitors - they became a collaborative cohort.
“It was a really great situation to be in,” said Ben. “Entrepreneurs of all backgrounds participated and each provided a unique background of knowledge to share with others…I always thought of the cash prize as an added bonus. But really, we were all trying to create an environment where we were all trying to succeed - both in life and our own businesses. We just wanted to help each other achieve that goal.”
Anyone with a business idea is invited to participate in the 2023 Ignite Portsmouth Bootcamp and Pitch Competition. Applications are now open and be accepted on a rolling basis. Ignite Portsmouth is the catalyst to new business in our region and can help beginning or expanding businesses move to the next level.
“If you have an idea that you genuinely want to do, I would say definitely do the Ignite Portsmouth program.”
Ben Shinkle poses with Tri-State Angel Investment Group Treasurer Mike Thompson at Ignite Portsmouth. The Tri-State Angel Investment Group graciously sponsors Ignite Portsmouth.