Spark: Early-Stage Track

Spark is an early-stage, hands-on accelerator designed for teams or solo entrepreneurs to sharpen entrepreneurial skills. This accelerator combines practical idea exploration and validation with an asynchronous online curriculum covering early venture fundamentals, market research, and customer discovery, enabling participants to learn at their own pace while staying aligned with cohort milestones.

Program Structure and Pace 

Spark runs each semester (online in fall, in-person in spring). Participants should expect about 10 hours per week, split into one-hour weekly MasterMind sessions, biweekly office hours, and coursework.  

Community and Mentorship 

Spark accepts over 40 teams per semester in a competitive, high-energy environment, with Pava Center staff and student Strategic Advisors providing ongoing support to navigate challenges and maintain momentum. Midway, an industry mentor tailors guidance toward growth milestones, ensuring progress toward tangible outcomes.   

Funding and Pathways 

At the end of Spark, teams showcase their progress at the Spark Showcase and become eligible for funding: a $500 grant stipend plus up to $2,000 in additional prize money after the end-of-semester Showcase. Completing Spark often serves as a launchpad for Fuel, where ventures can continue to grow and scale.