Spark 2008

Spark 08 was the first year of Spark. It received applications from all across England from housing associations to social enterprises and organisations who wanted to diversify into the social enterprise homeless sector.

Following a six-week application period, 15 finalists were selected by an external panel made up of some of the Spark partners. Each finalist then embarked on a three-month investment coaching programme run by Eastside Consulting, to help them to develop their investment plans, financial models and learn how to perfect their business pitch.

This training led to an investment event, at which 14 finalists presented their business plans to a panel of social enterprise champions and high-level corporate representatives. The enterprises were asked to indicate their particular financial requirements, which they hoped Spark’s prize money would go towards meeting. The event decided how the money would be allocated between the 14 finalists.

Nine major investment awards, providing a substantial proportion of the enterprises investment requirement were made, with five of the remaining finalists receiving a contribution towards the costs of developing their business models.

The prizes for 2008 were:

Investment coaching
Share of £500,000 investment fund
9 winners of major investment awards received an initial 6 months mentoring from the Spark partners
Professional film and photographs of each finalist
Profile: Marketing for winning enterprises through Spark

In 2010 the Spark 08 winners continue to receive mentoring and support from the Spark Partners and are considered to be champions of social enterprise tackling homelessness.

Visit the Spark 08 Finalists page find out more about each organisation’s work and output since entering Spark.

Read about what the Spark 2008 Finalists said about Spark