FAQs

Media:

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Organisations considering applying:

Updated 18/02/2008

When is the deadline for entries?
February 18, 2008, 5pm

I have questions about my eligibility and application. Who can I ask?
Please read this frequently asked questions page thoroughly. If you cannot find the answer here, please email info@sparkchallenge.org.

In question B8, does ‘above’ refer to the whole programme or to question B7?
It refers to the evidence you can provide to support your whole business case, such as a business plan, market research and so on. This material could also be useful to support the rest of your application. (See second part of this question, below).

Can I send supporting material?
At this stage please only send your completed application form and latest set of audited accounts. (Please see the question below).

We are below the threshold and do not need audited accounts by law what should we do?
A set of your latest company accounts are fine.

What does ‘business case’ or ‘model’ mean?
By ‘business case’ we are referring to the opportunity that exists for you to provide your products or services. You need to mention the market that you are operating in and show that there are customers willing to consume and/or pay you for your products or services to meet a need/s.

If relevant, you should also detail how your service can compete with other organisations meeting the same need (on price, service, location etc).

‘Business model’ refers to how you intend to deliver and charge for the product or service. How many widgets will you sell at what price to make what profit, for example? And how will you reinvest that into the business?

How much can each organisation win? What is the maximum we can win?
There has been no set amount determined for how much each of the 15 short-listed organisations could win; that’s up to the panel on the day of the big event. The prizes will be split so that they have the most impact possible to tackle homelessness, whether that is helping hundreds more people move to independence or developing strong and replicable training programmes. The reference to a prize of £200,000 in A5 and C7 is to encourage applicants to think big. Organisations that need less than £200,000 to do great things will not be disadvantaged.

How much time will we have to commit if we get onto the shortlist?
Spark will require an intense effort from one and, at times, two or more senior people working within your organisation. A detailed application submitted by February 18 will ease a little bit of the pressure, but investment readiness work will begin as soon as the shortlist of 15 has been announced March 10.

You will need to commit to an investment readiness programme that will start March 11 and will run for around 10 weeks. You will need to attend two workshops and commit to at least six days to work with a consultant, who will help you to get you and your social enterprise ready for the pitch event.

If you win a share of the prize fund, we anticipate you will need time (1/2 a day) to arrange for the transfer of the funds and time to put your plan into action. If you win a mentor, you will need a minimum of 6 days (one a month) between May and October. And if you win an enterprise makeover, you will need 4.5 days of time to prepare, host a site visit and hear feedback from the makeover team.

Please check back to this website regularly for the latest updates.

How long do we have to spend the money? Can we assume if we get a large prize we can spend it over a number of years?
There is no time limit or restriction to how or when you spend the money. In order to have been awarded the prize you will have convinced the panel that your development strategy is both realistic and viable.

What are the entry and selection criteria?
There are mandatory and preferred criteria. Mandatory criteria must be clearly met for an organisation to successfully apply. Preferred criteria will be considered by the Spark team after applications close on 18th February. Scoring against the Preferred criteria will form the basis of the ranking of enterprises, and selection for the final fifteen. Read more about the criteria here.

Do you have to pay to enter?
No, just review the process and criteria, and apply.

Is this open to charities?
Yes, as long as the charities are engaging in some form of sustainable trading activity. This competition and the prizes can be thought of as 'targeted investment' into organisations that will generate a profit or surplus, and use this to scale up their activities and increase their social impact.

It seems to be targeted at social enterprises, what about private businesses?
If your organisation is a private business e.g. A company limited by shares, you can still enter. And, you will have to clearly explain why you are a social enterprise. That is, what structures or systems to have in place to show you are a profit-making organisation that is explicitly set up to tackle social or environmental challenges, and which reinvests the majority of its profits for the benefit of their community and beneficiaries.

Is there support for charities who want to start an enterprising activity, but are not familiar with the terminology used in the application form?
Yes. You can email us with questions at info@sparkchallenge.org and check back as these FAQs are expanded. Also, we will have consultants available in January to guide you through the process. You can see more about the application process and support here.

Are organisations from everywhere allowed to enter?
Everywhere in England. Unfortunately we can not accept applications from Wales, Scotland or the Isle of Mann.

Are other projects planned in other areas?
Not at this stage, but please send us your name, organisation name, email address and phone number to info@sparkchallenge.org, and we’ll let you know if we’re planning anything similar I the future.

What activities do you include as “address the root causes of homelessness or increase people's move into independent living”?
You tell us. This competition is open to all enterprises that are explicitly aimed at dealing with these social challenges. We realise that there are many and complex causes and impacts associated with homelessness, and so are open to applications from organisations that are dealing with these root causes in innovative ways. Such interrelated causes/effects may include: long-term unemployment, domestic disputes, mental health, social exclusion etc.

Ours is an idea, rather than an enterprise. Can we still enter?
The application must come from an organisation, as per the mandatory selection criteria. If you have an idea that is well-researched, it is likely you will have to work with an organisation in the sector to submit an application with them. That work will need to take place before you submit your application.

Is this competition open to start-ups? Do we have to be currently trading?
Yes, Spark is open to early-stage social enterprises. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through evidence such as agreements with potential customers, that you will be able to trade by May if you win a share of the £500,000 prize fund and mentoring.

I don’t think our organisation is eligible; is there any way we can follow the project?
Please sign up for our fortnightly newsletter (due in March) to learn more about how to build and grow a successful social enterprise.

What is a makeover challenge?
It is a major prize, and part of the programme designed to offer expert support for specific constraints enterprises might have in trying to grow their impact. More here

Why is there no question C5 on the application form?
We just wanted to test to see if you were paying attention.

If you can't find the answer to your question here, please contact us.