Applications are now closed
Do you want to start a business but don’t know where to begin?
The Early Sparks Program is for you.
This 5-week introductory program aims to help aspiring entrepreneurs learn how to start a business. The program is open to individuals who have an idea but have not registered a business and want to journey from uncertainty to entrepreneurial readiness.
Program Agenda:
DATE | TIME | SUBJECT |
Wed, December 20 | 8:30 am | Applications Open |
Fri, January 5 | 11:59 pm | Applications Close |
Fri, January 12 | 11:59 pm | Participants Acceptance – Email |
Wed, January 24 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Introduction to Business Idea Generation |
Wed, January 31 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Market Research and Validation |
Wed, February 7 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM | Networking Night |
Thurs, February 15 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Value Proposition and Branding 101 |
Wed, February 21 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Your Next Steps |
DATE | TIME | SUBJECT |
Fri, February 23 | 8:30 am | Applications Open |
Fri, March 15 | 11:59 pm | Applications Close |
Fri, March 22 | 11:59 pm | Participants Acceptance – Email |
Tue, April 2 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Introduction to Business Idea Generation |
Tue, April 9 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Market Research and Validation |
Tue, April 16 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Value Proposition and Branding 101 |
Tue, April 23 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM | Networking Night |
Tue, April 30 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Your Next Steps |
DATE | TIME | SUBJECT |
Fri, May 24 | 8:30 am | Applications Open |
Fri, June 14 | 11:59 pm | Applications Close |
Fri, June 21 | 11:59 pm | Participants Acceptance – Email |
Tue, July 2 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Introduction to Business Idea Generation |
Tue, July 9 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Market Research and Validation |
Tue, July 16 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM | Networking Night |
Tue, July 23 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Value Proposition and Branding 101 |
Tue, July 30 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Your Next Steps |
DATE | TIME | SUBJECT |
Fri, August 30 | 8:30 am | Applications Open |
Sun, September 15 | 11:59 pm | Applications Close |
Fri, September 20 | 11:59 pm | Participants Acceptance – Email |
Wed, October 2 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Introduction to Business Idea Generation |
Wed, October 9 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Market Research and Validation |
Wed, October 16 | 4:00 – 7:00 PM | Networking Night |
Wed, October 23 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Value Proposition and Branding 101 |
Wed, October 30 | 3:00 – 6:00 PM | Your Next Steps |
Program Outcomes:
You will:
- Explore and refine your business ideas with expert guidance and peer support.
- Develop a roadmap for turning your vision into a tangible business plan.
- Gain insights into valuable resources and tools for business growth.
- Learn practical steps to take your vision from concept to execution.
- Develop new business relationships and reduce barriers to business development.
- Build the confidence to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams.
- Gain a clear understanding of your entrepreneurial vision and goals.
Who is Eligible?
- 18 years of age or older
- A resident of Waterloo Region
- Not a registered business owner in Ontario
- Proposing a new idea, expansion of an existing idea.
- Prepared to complete the business training components of the Early Sparks program as prescribed by the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre
- Prepared to attend weekly meetings for 5 weeks after acceptance into the program
- Prepared to commit to a minimum average of 8 hours a week working on the idea