Are you a middle or high school student in West Virginia with a big idea or a passion for starting your own business? The SparkWV Competition is back for its second year, offering students the chance to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit, develop business skills, and compete for exciting prizes! Hosted by The EdVenture Group in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education, SparkWV is designed to spark creativity and inspire students across the state to dream big and think like entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast with an idea for a new app or a budding business owner with a plan to launch a small business in your local community, SparkWV is the place for you.
Choose Your Track:
- Track 1: “Big Ideas” – Have an innovative product or invention idea, but don’t have the resources to bring it to life just yet? This track is perfect for you! Propose your idea for a cutting-edge technology, app, or other creative solution.
- Track 2: “Small Business” – Ready to start a small business in your community? This track allows students to pitch a viable business concept, like a homemade jewelry line, food truck, or coffee shop.
Both tracks offer the chance to win up to $10,000 in prizes for students and their classrooms, helping bring these entrepreneurial dreams one step closer to reality.
Important Dates to Remember:
- Registration Deadline: Students must register through the VentureDash portal and submit their first-round materials by November 15th, 2024.
- Semi-Finalist Notification: Semi-finalists will be announced on December 6th, 2024, with second-round submissions due by January 31st, 2025.
- Final Pitch: Finalists will present their ideas live at Bridging Innovation Week on April 30th, 2025, at the Frank Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia.
Why Participate?
- Creative Challenges: SparkWV provides a unique opportunity to develop new inventions, innovative solutions, or small businesses that could make a real difference in your community.
- Valuable Prizes & Mentorship: Not only are there prizes up for grabs, but students will also have access to scholarships and mentorship from industry experts to further grow their ideas.
- Skill Development: Throughout the competition, students will receive workshops, coaching, and resources to enhance their entrepreneurial skills and knowledge.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet like-minded peers, industry professionals, and mentors who can help guide your entrepreneurial journey.
How to Register:
Ready to spark your entrepreneurial journey? Visit the SparkWV Competition Page on The EdVenture Group’s website to find registration details, competition rules, and important dates. For additional information, feel free to reach out to SparkWV lead Amber Ravenscroft at [email protected].
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to turn your ideas into reality and make a lasting impact in your community. Register now and join the ranks of West Virginia’s next generation of entrepreneurs!