Ignite Portsmouth Alumni: Ali Hull
Ignite Portsmouth 2023 alumni Ali Hull is the owner of Align Massage Therapy, a new business dedicated to helping people overcome barriers in wellness by ensuring all clients feel safe, comfortable, and understood. Ali’s goal is to provide an inclusive environment while standing on the slogan “come as you are.” She has locations in both downtown Portsmouth and Lucasville - while also providing a mobile option.
Ali credits the Ignite program for helping to jump start her business.
“Starting a business is exciting - but it’s also nerve wracking,” says Ali. “I needed support. I needed help. And the Hub was a great place to start. Coming there and going through Ignite was such a great fit for me.”
Ignite is an 8-week program that helps individuals with business ideas - or plans to expand or grow an existing business - make their dreams a reality. It teaches marketing, branding, financials, and the art of the pitch, while also matching participants up with mentors along the way. But the most unique aspect of the program is the cohort model - a shared learning experience where participants form connections and partnerships with one another.
“Ignite really helped me connect with other folks,” says Ali. “It really wasn’t until week six that I remembered it was a competition. Money really wasn’t part of why I competed - the value it brought to me as a professional and as a business owner was huge. I’m really thankful for the program.”
Ali just co-hosted her first community inspired event - For Humanity’s Sake - a block party held on 2nd Street. The event illustrates her commitment to inclusivity and community building. Several Ignite Portsmouth alumni attended including Amanda Klaiber (the Landing in Portsmouth), Julie Collier (the Kitchen Collective) and Dan Smith (Appalachia Unveiled).
“Creating a network, forming relationships, building partnerships - that is why we are on this earth,” says Ali. “We are starting to see Portsmouth as this ‘Comeback City’. In five, 10 years, I really want to see my business and my family become interwoven into this great community.”
Ali recommends the Ignite Program to for anyone wanting to reshape their future.
“If you are on the fence about Ignite, I would say focus on your future. And if you want your future to be a new business, or a new outcome for your life - Ignite can really help you.”
Ignite Portsmouth is the catalyst for new business in our region. This 8-week entrepreneurship boot camp is perfect for individuals with a new idea, business, or with plans to expand and grow!
Participants will become equipped with the tools they need to succeed. They will learn about value proposition, the business model canvas, market analysis and customer validation, financial and revenue modeling, access to capital, marketing, branding, and business pitching. They will also be connected to mentors that will help them along the journey. The 2024 Ignite Porstmouth cohort begins May 8th at 6pm.