Spark

The Spark Programme is a 6-week introduction to business start-up, providing you with the skills and knowledge needed to turn your idea into reality.

Apply for Spark 2024/25

About Spark

Spark is for students, graduates and staff* of 7 years or under from Oxford Brookes.

Spark is a comprehensive six-week programme designed for students from any discipline, regardless of their level of business experience. This step-by-step initiative provides the guidance and resources needed to transform an idea into a potentially scalable venture.

Participants will gain practical skills and valuable insights to refine their concepts into viable business opportunities, laying the foundation for entrepreneurial success.

By the end of the programme, participants will have:

A clear understanding of their business idea and model
A first-stage pitch deck to compete for £500 in grant funding
1-to-1 mentoring session with a dedicated business mentor

Delivered in person, Spark offers attendees the chance to connect with business experts, successful alumni, and a community of like-minded peers on the same entrepreneurial journey. This programme is ideal for anyone looking to test and develop their ideas in a supportive, low-risk environment while building their professional network.

Online drop in sessions are available for extra business support on Thursdays from 12.00pm to 1.00pm throughout the Spark programme, for which you will receive a Google meet invite.

*Staff are welcome to attend the Spark programme for learning and development purposes, but are not eligible to be allocated grant funding and 1-1 business support.

We are a community and attendance is important. Participants are required to attend a minimum of 4/6 of the sessions in order to be eligible to pitch for funding at the end.

Case Study

Find out how Daniel Satch is saving the planet and keeping us fit with Belvedere Apparel.

Programme

The following programme runs twice a year between September to November and January to March.

Session 1 - Create Your Idea

In this session, we’ll dive into your business idea and examine the problems it seeks to address. You’ll discover a range of ideation techniques and brainstorming strategies designed to inspire creativity and generate innovative, impactful business concepts.

Session 2 - Know Your Customer

Your customers are the core of your business - but do you truly know who they are? In this session, you'll learn how to identify your target audience, understand their motivations and needs, and craft effective marketing strategies to connect with them and drive engagement.

Session 3 - Make It Happen

This interactive session will guide you through transforming your ideas into actionable ventures using the Lean Start-Up methodology. You’ll learn how to apply the Business Model Canvas to validate and refine your concept, paving the way for a successful and sustainable business model.

A small crowd watching a demonstration at an event

Session 4 - How To Pitch

Now that you have a clearer understanding of your business and the steps needed to bring your ideas to life, it’s time to focus on delivery and confidence. In this session, you’ll learn proven techniques for crafting and delivering a compelling pitch that captures attention, resonates with your audience, and effectively sells your ideas.

Session 5 - The Power Of Money

Mastering your finances is a vital step in building a successful business. In this session, we’ll break down the essentials of financial planning in a clear and straightforward way, helping you create a realistic and actionable financial forecast for your venture.

A woman stood on a stage giving a presentation

Session 6 - Live Pitch Event

Pitch your business idea in a supportive and welcoming environment for the chance to win £500 in grant funding - an exciting opportunity to kick-start your venture and take your first steps towards entrepreneurial success.