The backbone of our economy, the American dream incarnate, is fundamentally broken.

How do I know this? The numbers don't lie.

Over 50% of small businesses fail in the first five years of operation. Of those that survive, another 20% fail in the next five. That's a staggering failure rate over a decade. But here's what I find truly perplexing: back in 1990, these ratios were almost identical. And here we are in 2024, still facing the same grim statistics.

You're telling me that after the invention of the internet, with all the information at business owners' fingertips, there hasn't been a direct correlation between the increase in available knowledge and small business success? How is this possible?

The answer is simple, yet profound: building and scaling a business is a skill. It's not just about information; it's about application, experience, and guidance. And that's where we're falling short.

Small business owners are failing because they don't want to ask for help. They're trapped in the myth of the self-made entrepreneur, believing they need to figure it all out on their own.

But here's the truth: no successful business was built in isolation.

Unlocking growth in your business isn't just about working harder or knowing more. It's about working smarter, and that means leveraging the wisdom of those who've walked the path before you.

My mission in life is to help struggling entrepreneurs find their way to clarity, growth, and freedom.

Because when small businesses thrive, we all benefit. Our communities grow stronger, our economy becomes more resilient, and the American dream lives on.

I want the Ignite Academy to be your catalyst for renewed personal and professional growth in 2024 and beyond.

-Steve