Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation Announces Business Expansion by Department of Defense Service Provider, Ignite
The Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (Chamber & EDC) has announced today that Ignite Fueling Innovation, Inc., a defense industry, certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned small business that provides expert services and solutions to federal government customers, including the United States Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has selected Colorado Springs for expansion. Ignite is expanding its national footprint with its new office in Colorado Springs.
“Ignite’s choice of Colorado Springs for their growth is a testament to our sound aerospace and defense sector, cutting edge military technology, and highly skilled talent pipeline for small and large businesses,” said, Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO for Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC. “We are excited to welcome Ignite into our region to support critical missions for national security.”
Listed in Inc. Magazine’s Top 100 fastest-growing aero-defense service firms, Ignite aims to tap into Colorado Springs’ growing aerospace and defense industry to drive technological innovation for federal, state, and local governments.
“The Ignite team is extremely excited to continue supporting our customers in the Colorado Springs community,” stated Clayton Hinchman, Chairman and CEO for Ignite. “Our team continuously grows as our customers’ demands continue to increase, and we are proud of the investment we are making in this great community. This expansion provides us with a unique opportunity to cater to our clients more efficiently and leverage the exceptional talent pool in the region. We are excited to witness the innovative solutions that will emerge from our Colorado Springs team.”
The Pikes Peak region boasts a strong and diverse economy and a thriving environment that supports business innovation and growth. Colorado Springs has more than 200 space, aerospace, and defense companies, many of which work in government and the commercial sector. Additionally, the city is strong in advanced manufacturing, cyber and software technology, healthcare, and tourism, which helps keep the economy diversified, resilient, and strong.
Located in the state with the second-largest space economy in the nation, Colorado Springs offers aerospace and defense companies one of the nation’s highly educated workforce and a dynamic and robust business environment that supports technological advancements, business growth, and innovation. The city’s aerospace and defense companies provide mission-critical support to key installations including the North American Aerospace and Defense Command (NORAD) and U.S. Northern Command, both of which protect the North American airspace and partner interests from threats by foreign adversaries.
“I am thrilled to welcome Ignite to our vibrant city of Colorado Springs,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade. “As the proud home to a substantial military footprint that is bolstered by a robust defense, space, aerospace, and cybersecurity industrial base, Ignite will feel at home with their peers. As mayor, I am committed to supporting our small businesses. Small businesses making big impact, like Ignite, are vital to the health of this thriving ecosystem, and we are grateful that this service-disabled veteran-owned small business has chosen Olympic City USA – a city of dreamers and doers – for its new location to help ignite new opportunities.”
Headquartered in Huntsville, Ala., Ignite’s expansion into Colorado Springs enables the company to be located near key military installations, including the United States Space Command and the U.S. Space Force Space Operations Command, where the military formulates requirements for weapon systems and services to continue its collaboration with mission partners at the Department of Defense and providing support through its array of capabilities, cutting across a wide spectrum of services, including modeling and simulation on user research and training, expert analyses of cyber threats, and logistical engineering support for the United States Army, the United States Air Force, the United States Space Force, and the NASA International Space Station.
“Ignite recognizes that it takes the best and brightest talent to solve the most difficult national security challenges facing the space and intelligence communities today. In that vein, we take great pride in the high caliber of our employee-owner workforce and the trusted relationships we’ve fostered with our government mission partners here in Colorado. We are incredibly honored to be part of the national security space ecosystem here in Colorado Springs,” said Dr. Joseph DiNoto, Senior Vice President for Ignite.
Ignite has been approved for Enterprise Zone tax credits from El Paso County. These incentives are contingent upon the company, referred to as Project Flame throughout the County’s review process, meeting the requirements set by the County.
El Paso County Chairwoman Cami Bremer said the establishment of a new, veteran-owned aero-defense services firm in the region marked a significant milestone. “The collaboration with Ignite, empowered by the Enterprise Zone State Tax Credit Program, signifies a crucial step in our journey toward technological excellence and economic expansion,” Bremer said. “This move represents a substantial leap forward in technological growth and opportunity for our region, further affirming El Paso County’s distinguished role as a leader in the defense and aerospace industries.”
Ignite will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m., today at 985 Space Center Drive, to mark the opening of the new office location in Colorado Springs, making it the 16th of the company’s 15 locations spread across the country. Ignite has locations in Alabama, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, Virginia, Washington, D.C., Kentucky, Georgia, and Colorado.