Ignite Portsmouth Alumni: Staci Slaughter

In 2023, Staci Slaughter and her business partner Rebecca Gray finished 5th place in the Ignite Portsmouth Pitch Competition with their business idea - Hello Hydration. Hello Hydration is planned to be a mobile hydration clinic that will attend large scale events (such as music festivals, concerts, football games) offering IVs and other rejuvenating treatments to clients.

“We will be taking mobile units, whether that is a van or decommissioned ambulance wrapped in our logo, into different locations and events,” explained Staci. “Whether people are exposed to extreme heat, the elements, or have just had a bit too much to drink, Hello Hydration can offer them treatment to get them back to enjoying their day.”

Currently, Staci and Becca are on a two-year plan to open their business officially. And they credit the Ignite Program for helping them get the support and knowledge they needed to make their timeline happen.

“The software the Ignite Program provides, LivePlan, is so beneficial,” explained Staci. “It helped us put the business in perspective so that we could manage it and not feel overwhelmed. It allowed us to break up sections of our business plan so Rebecca and I could work within our individuals roles of the business. The classroom setting was also really helpful. Being able to see the other participants, where they were in their process, and how they were approaching their business ideas was so important to ensuring we were on the right path.”

Last year, Staci and Rebecca were part of 15 businesses that completed the program. In 2024, the Hub is only accepting 20 applicants for the Boot Camp which kicks off May 8th.

“Ignite is absolutely worth it,” said Staci. “Even if you just have a basic idea and do not know your timeline for launching your idea. Anyone who has an entrepreneurial mindset needs to have the skills taught at Ignite to launch successfully. What the Ignite program does it takes your idea, teaches you how to market it, how to structure employees, how to reach clients, and puts it together in a nice little package.”

“Ignite Portsmouth is great at guiding you where you need to go.”

Ignite Portsmouth is the catalyst for new business in Portsmouth, Ohio and the surrounding region. If you have a business idea, or a plan for expanding a current business with a new product our service, consider applying. The application deadline ends May 1st.