Spark* International has opened applications for this year’s edition of its South African accelerator programme, which offers entrepreneurs training, networking opportunities, and the chance to apply for grant funding. Selected entrepreneurs will attend the Spark Accelerator, an intensive five day live-in workshop in Johannesburg providing training to help entrepreneurs focus their businesses and speed up growth. They will also gain access to the Spark* Support Network, receiving ongoing training and support from Spark* and connections to experts and professionals who can help the startups as they grow.
Spark* International is an initiative of the Australia-based non-profit YGAP, with applications for the Spark* South Africa 2018 Accelerator Programme which is open until March 4, 2018. The organisation invites those who: Have already launched an enterprise that is making a difference in the lives of South Africans (by improving education, health, homes or creating good jobs); Want to scale their enterprise to impact many more people.
The selected entrepreneurs will receive ongoing training and support from Spark* and we connect you to experts and professionals who can help you as you launch and grow your business. Their venture also has the opportunity to continually apply for small grants (up to R10,000) to overcome barriers and test ideas to grow the impact or sustainability of the venture. Specifically organisation will provide 12 months of access to graphic designers, website creators, business coaches, mentors, research assistants, lawyers and accountants (all super helpful for the venture).
The best Spark* entrepreneurs move into growth, where it provides larger amounts of support to help startups grow the models that have been proven in the startup phase. At this level startups can access larger rounds of funding and are connected directly to investor partners and can work closely with the Spark* team to strategize specific approaches.
