Ignite Mentors
Our dedicated one-on-one mentorship program is tailored to your unique journey. Work directly with experienced founders and industry experts who provide strategic advice, actionable insights, and accountability to help you overcome obstacles and achieve your business goals faster.
Book 1:1 Mentorship with Our Experts
Behind every thriving entrepreneur is someone who believed in them first. Our 1:1 mentorship pairs emerging entrepreneurs with experienced guides who offer real talk, real strategy, and real support — one relationship at a time. This isn't generic advice; it's tailored guidance that meets people exactly where they are. The result? Sharper business plans, stronger confidence, and founders who don't just start — they stay the course.
Available for current Ignite participants and Alumni, all requestors must first complete a brief survey indicating areas of need and which expert you would like to meet with. Sessions are 45 minutes long and conducted virtually, all at no cost to you.
Explore FCE+I's Subject Matter Experts
FCE+I has an expansive network to help you get the support you need to move your business forward. Whether you're pre-launch, ready to scale, or creating your exit strategy, FCE+I's mentors are available to help you get there. With experts in Business Strategy, Marketing, Sales & Customer Growth, and many more, we have you covered!
Sales and Customer Strategy
For businesses that need help getting seen, attracting customers, improving their message, or increasing sales.
Randy Doran
Co-Owner, Director of Operations of ClickFuze Marketing
Areas of Expertise:
- Brand Development
- Analytics
- Video Production
- SEO/SEM/PPC
Mark Donatiello
Director of Client Experience, Nancy Chu Homes-Keller Williams NJ Metro Group and Former Fashion Industry Senior Executive
Areas of Expertise:
- Sales Strategy and Execution
- Business Development/Lead Generation
- Product Merchandising
Dennis Murphy
Director of Corporate Accounts, W.L. Gore and Associates (recently retired)
Areas of Expertise:
- Sales & Customer Marketing and Strategy
- Consumer products industries including personal care, apparel, grocery products
- Medical devices
- Business development– targeting, networking, selling
Organizing Your Finances & Budgeting
For businesses that need help tracking expenses, managing cash flow, or building budgets that support sustainable growth.
Al-Nesha Jones, CPA, MBA
Founder, ASE Group
Areas of Expertise:
- Accounting
- Taxation
- Small Business Advisory
Juan Medina
Hudson Small Business Consulting
Areas of Expertise:
- Making your business bankable
- Budgeting and financial organization support
- Business plan development
- Credit repair guidance
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) advisory
Andrew Frazier, MBA, CFA
Masterpreneur™ and Founder of Small Business Pro University
- Business Strategy
- Financial Management
- Business Financing
Legal Strategy
For businesses that need help navigating contracts or choosing the right legal structure as they grow.
Priya Persaud
Areas of Expertise:
- Evaluating products and services to determine the appropriate form of IP protection
- Technical and scientific expertise in computer engineering, electrical engineering, and related fields
- Advising on IP strategy
Pooja Patel
Attorney
Areas of Expertise:
- Strategic Planning
- Risk Management and Litigation
- General Corporate Advice and Insight
Angela Yu, Esq., MBA
Founder, Yu Law Legal
Areas of Expertise:
- Legal and Business Strategy
- “Digital Nomad” Expert
- Authenticity in Business
Business Planning
For businesses that need help defining their model, setting goals, or mapping out a clear path forward.
Alexandra Bernard
Founder and CEO, Think Like a Boss NJ
Areas of Expertise:
- Business Plan
- Branding
- Business Strategy and Marketing Strategy
Juan Medina
Hudson Small Business Consulting
Areas of Expertise:
- Making your business bankable
- Budgeting and financial organization support
- Business plan development
- Credit repair guidance
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) advisory
Carissa Borraggine
Founder and Owner, KW NJ Metro Group
Areas of Expertise:
- Business Plan Creation
- Opening/Planning for Brick and Mortar
- Real Estate
AI Implementation
For businesses that need help identifying the right AI tools, streamlining workflows, or staying ahead of the curve.
Yovana Rosales
Founder & CEO, Ai Latina; AI Enthusiast, Community Builder, Small Business Strategist & Speaker
Areas of Expertise:
- AI for idea generation, content creation, and project management
- AI for streamlining operations and client onboarding
- Community strategy, building and engagement
Vee Uhlendorf
AI Strategist, Co-Founder & Creator of My StoryPro AI
Areas of Expertise:
- AI to automate repetitive tasks and streamline workflows
- Business operations and process optimization
- Strategic scaling and intentional team building
Jimmy Newson
CEO & Founder, Moving Forward Small Business
Areas of Expertise:
- AI Integration & Automation.
- Generative and predictive AI and customer service AI to streamline workflows and scale operations
- Inbound marketing, SEO, and GEO to boost visibility in AI-powered search
Branding & Visual Identity
For businesses that need help defining their brand voice, designing a standout look, or creating a consistent identity.
Alexandra Bernard
Founder & CEO, Think Like a Boss NJ
Areas of Expertise:
- Business Plan
- Branding
- Business Strategy and Marketing Strategy
Marco de Mel Pedersen
Founder & Owner, Studio de Mel
Areas of Expertise:
- Visual identity design
- Visual storytelling and concept sketching
- Event and environmental branding design
Annalyce D’Agostino-Gavin
Founder, Focus Posters
Areas of Expertise:
- Content Creation (Beginner to Advanced)
- Graphic Design
- Visual Branding
Operations and Processes
For businesses that need help streamlining workflows, improving efficiency, or building systems that scale.
William Fuchs
President, DKL Consulting
Areas of Expertise:
- Operations including Manufacturing
- Supply Chain & Procurement.
- Distribution
- HR/Human Capital
- Strategic Planning
- Finance & Key Metrics
Evelyn Cucchiara
Owner, The Toy Tamer
Areas of Expertise:
- Turning Hobbies into a Business
- Solopreneurs or First-Time Business Owners
- Stream-Processes
- Niche Businesses
Derrick Walton
CEO, Spheros.io
Areas of Expertise:
- Domestic and International payments
- Operations Experience
E-commerce and Apps
For businesses that need help launching an online store, developing an app, or optimizing their digital platform.
Raj Amin
Co-Founder & CEO, Arcade Therapeutics; Founder and Managing Partner, Teem Ventures
Areas of Expertise:
- Early stage venture strategy and positioning
- Lean product development
- Fundraising approaches
Tog Samphel
Founder & CEO, Anytongs
Product/User Experience Designer
Areas of Expertise:
- Turning ideas into products
- Launching products online
- Design (apps, web, and branding)
- Ecommerce startups
Derrick Walton
CEO, Spheros.io
Areas of Expertise:
- Domestic and International payments
- Operations Experience
Paying Off Debt & Wealth Building
For businesses that need help managing debt, building savings, or creating a long-term wealth strategy.
Alina Trigub
Managing Partner, SAMO Financial
Areas of Expertise:
- How to improve your personal financial position, pay off debt and build wealth
- How to leverage AI and automation tools to set up and scale your operations
- How to start and grow your business venture
- How to turn your idea into profitable business
Juan Medina
Hudson Small Business Consulting
Areas of Expertise:
- Making your business bankable
- Budgeting and financial organization support
- Business plan development
- Credit repair guidance
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) advisory
Andrew Frazier, MBA, CFA
Masterpreneur™ & Founder of Small Business Pro University
- Business Strategy
- Financial Management
- Business Financing
IP and Patents
For businesses that need help protecting their inventions, trademarking their brand, or securing their intellectual property.
Rebecca L. DeLuccia
Co-Founder & CEO, DAE Lead ® by Hundhaus Designs LLC; 3x U.S. Utility Patent Holder
Areas of Expertise:
- Innovation Opportunity Identification
- Strategic IP for Market Differentiation
- Inventor-led Patent Applications
- Physical Prototyping (Proof-of-Concept, MVP) and User-testing
Priya Persaud
Areas of Expertise:
- Evaluating products and services to determine the appropriate form of IP protection
- Technical and scientific expertise in computer engineering, electrical engineering, and related fields
- Advising on IP strategy
Hiring and Managing Employees
For businesses that need help finding the right talent, building strong teams, or developing effective management practices.
Erdal Turnacioglu
Managing Partner, Erdal Employment Law
Areas of Expertise:
- Employment laws (e.g., harassment, retaliation, wage and hour)
- Employee handbooks
- Employment training and seminars
- Workplace investigations
Jessica Maarek
Founder & Owner, Red Root Marketing
Areas of Expertise:
- Social Media Marketing
- Content Marketing
- Digital Marketing
Brick and Mortar
For businesses that need help navigating permits, designing their space, or launching a physical storefront.
Carissa Borraggine
Founder & Owner, KW NJ Metro Group
Areas of Expertise:
- Business Plan Creation
- Opening/Planning for Brick and Mortar
- Real Estate
Social Media & Community Engagement
For businesses that need help growing their following, building authentic engagement, or developing a content strategy.
Jessica Maarek
Founder & Owner, Red Root Marketing
Areas of Expertise:
Paulette Piñero
Founder & Chief Creative Officer of Unstoppable Latina
Areas of Expertise:
Annalyce D’Agostino-Gavin
Founder, Focus Posters
Areas of Expertise: