Why I Joined the Intuit IDEAS Program

As a small handmade business, I’m always searching for new ways to grow while staying true to what Soot & Cinders is all about — creating unique, sustainable pieces that give back to the planet. 

So when I learned that Soot & Cinders had been selected to join the Intuit IDEAS Program, I was over the moon. IDEAS (which stands for Invest, Develop, Empower, Accelerate, and Scale) is a year-long business accelerator designed to help small businesses grow with the kind of tools and support usually reserved for big corporations — and I’m honored to be a part of it.

Access to Advanced Tools and Expertise

Through the program, I’ll have access to Intuit’s advanced suite of programs — QuickBooks, TurboTax, Mailchimp, and Credit Karma — along with expert guidance on how to use them to strengthen my business behind the scenes.

For a small brand like Soot & Cinders, this is incredibly helpful as it means expert assistance with finances, marketing, and more. It’s like having a full business support team cheering me on (and helping me stay organized while I’m covered in sawdust).

Coaching and Mentorship

Another part I’m especially excited about is the dual-coaching model. I’ll be working with both a business counselor from the National Urban League and an executive coach from Zella Life — a combo that helps small business owners like me develop the right business strategies as well as the right mindset and leadership skills for growth of my little eco-brand well into the future.

As someone who started Soot & Cinders all on my own and has been handling every aspect of the business all on my own as well, this kind of support feels invaluable. It’s guidance that will help me strengthen the foundations of my business so it can keep going and growing.

A Community of Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurs

Through IDEAS, I’m joining a community of fellow entrepreneurs from across the country — all driven, passionate, and working toward meaningful growth in their own industries. 

I recently got to meet some of them at a local kick-off meeting for this 3rd year of Intuit IDEAS - I was blown away by all the amazing businesses represented there and how deeply everyone cared about the impact those businesses make.

Real Support for Real Growth

Every business that completes the IDEAS Program receives a non-dilutive grant (meaning no equity or strings attached), plus access to training and technology stipends. For a small handmade business like mine, that kind of investment makes a real difference — it's the kind of boost that will help me upgrade tools, improve my overall operations, and expand reach to others who are invested in supporting sustainability.

A Mission That Aligns with Ours

What drew me most to IDEAS is that it aligns with what Soot & Cinders stands for: growing responsibly, creating intentionally, and giving back wherever possible. Intuit’s mission to “power prosperity for all” fits perfectly with my own commitment and goals of protecting the environment, creating local jobs, and reducing waste in the fashion industry.

Looking Ahead

The next twelve months will be full of learning, building, and growing — and I can’t wait to bring you along for the journey. I’ll be sharing updates about what I’m learning through the program, how it’s helping me improve Soot & Cinders, and ways you can support or get inspired along the way.

If you’d like to follow along, be sure to stay connected here and on social media — there’s a lot of exciting growth ahead. 🌱