Barcelos
Ignition Program
The Barcelos Ignition Program, created by Founders Founders in partnership with MunicÃpio de Barcelos, was designed to ignite local entrepreneurship beyond Lisbon and Porto, showing that innovation ecosystems can thrive beyond the main hubs.
Focused on innovative and tech-based ideas, the program supported local founders with tailored mentoring, hands-on workshops, and free access
to the F2 community. Its mission was to spark a culture of learning, collaboration, and peer mentorship, giving entrepreneurs the tools to validate products, connect with investors, and showcase their projects.
Program Pillars
Learning & Sharing
Building a culture where knowledge flows between founders, mentors, and peers.
Mentorship
One-to-one and group support to turn ideas into businesses.
Community Building
Strengthening Barcelos’ entrepreneurial fabric and linking it to the national and international startup scene.
Visibility & Growth
Creating opportunities for founders to pitch, network, and reach investors.
A Replicable Model
The success of the Barcelos Ignition Program shows how structured support, when adapted to local strengths, can spark new entrepreneurial communities anywhere. By blending founder-led mentoring with municipal support, it created a blueprint for how regions beyond Lisbon and Porto can develop thriving ecosystems of their own.
