I think that chopping up sticks, keeping it moist, and having as big a pile as possible are the biggest factors in speeding up the composting process.
Instead of buying innoculum, you can just transfer a little from the most active part of an older heap to the new heap. Or, as Eclayn said, mix in some soil from a rich, organic bed.
But I agree with Weedwhacker: if you pile it, it will compost!
