2009 was the pilot year for Sparklers, a £50,000 programme funded by TREES and Communities and Local Government.
Sparklers is aimed at homeless entrepreneurs who have an idea for a new business venture (or those who have already developed an early stage business). The program offers a tailored seven-month business support programme to develop each entrepreneur’s business skills.
Seven promising entrepreneurs took part in 2009 and you can read more about them here.
Sparklers wants to support people who have the vision, drive, and passion to develop their business and through providing the opportunity to increase their skills and vision and the seven winners are all excited and committed to taking part.
Note: Each applicant is supported by an organisation that will endorse their application and through which any transfer of funding can be channelled.
Sparklers Programme: How it works
The Sparklers programme required 14 days of each finalist’s time spread over a six-month period. In addition each had to commit one day a week to develop their project.
The programme includes:
Whole group workshop sessions on business related topics
Guest visitors/inspirers to workshop sessions
Guided visits
Buddying with other Spark finalists
Individual work
Small group work
Mentoring
Post programme support via the Spark network
The programme balanced the practical with the theoretical so that by learning, listening, reading, experimenting and experiencing each entrepreneur will be encouraged to take educated risks and display their determination to make their own business a success.
The programme provided:
12 workshop sessions (two per month June-Nov)
Six guided visits to other Social Enterprises and relevant inspiring places (one per month June-Nov)
Six guest speakers (one per month June-Nov)
Two x one-hour one-to-one sessions with guide
GOING FORWARD: Sparklers – needs your help!
The Sparklers programme has received great interest. We would like to hear from anyone who would be interested in partnering with us as we continue to develop. We need to create enough capacity to deliver the programme again next year. You may be an individual who would like to deliver a workshop, or act as a mentor - or indeed your business may wish to sponsor the growth of the programme. The Sparklers identified a long and inspiring list of places they would like to visit, and people they would like to meet. You could be part of making their wishes come true!
Seven promising entrepreneurs took part in 2009 and you can read more about them 
