The Spark Zone
IGNITION PROGRAM
The Spark Zone’s Sandbox Ignition Program offers post-secondary students a 10-week program that gives you access to training, mentorship, resources, ecosystem connections; and honorariums to support personal and business development.
What to expect
Participants are trained in essential transferrable skills such as goal setting, design thinking, networking, pitching, and more, ensuring they will understand the value of those complementary soft skills as they develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
Gateway to Entrepreneurship
Connect with mentors, industry leaders, and students from other schools as you engage with the region’s entrepreneurship ecosystem
Events and Competitions
Develop your network and your skills as you develop innovative solutions to the world’s biggest challenges
Coaching and Consulting
Meet our team, get the help and accountability you need to achieve your personal goals or move your ideas from concept to reality
Resources
Gain access to right professional and entrepreneurial resources for your journey
From our students
“I used to be so scared about networking, but the Ignition Program allowed me to try it in a safe environment. I specifically enjoyed joining the Woman in Business event. Indeed, seeing women achieved and being successful in business with the help of others was highly encouraging. I have implemented everything that I learned in the training section, and I got first place in Challenge Nova Scotia Competition out of 60 teams”.
– Elif Pitrilli, NSCC
“Throughout the program, I made valuable connections, got market insights and blueprints and so much more that will help me in becoming a business owner. Before the Ignition Program, I never thought about the concept of social enterprise and was looking for a way to build a business that aligns with my life purpose. But now I have greater clarity and a better plan. I strongly believe that every student should leverage this wonderful opportunity.”
– Suhnandany Goswami, MSVU
“The Ignition program was an incredible program. I enjoyed all 10-weeks of listening and learning
from established local entrepreneurs and experts. As someone who knew absolutely nothing about
entrepreneurship, the ignition program was just what I needed. It gave me all the skills, insights,
and resources I needed to start my journey. I made meaningful and valuable connections with other
goal-driven students and developed sincere relationships with mentors and coaches.”
– Tashauna Reid, College Life Academy
PAST INSTRUCTORS
The Sparkzone brings the best of local and international entrepreneurs who have years of experience navigating the entrepreneurial world and remain passionate about sharing it with students:
Nevell Provo
R&B Kitchen/Smooth Meal Prep
Leah Skerry
SquigglePark
Sehmat Suri
Media Relations
Tiffani Young
Natural Butter Bar
Sunil Sarwal
The Small Monsters
Ossama Nasrallah
The Harbour Watercraft and Adventure Tours
Micah Brown
BATLX/ Halifax Harbour Hawks
Jason Buchanan
Premiere Van Lines
Partner Institutions
The Spark Zone brings together students and community members to create, develop and ultimately launch business ideas and social innovations. Partners at Saint Mary’s University, NSCAD University, Mount Saint Vincent University, Nova Scotia Community College, University of King’s College, and the Atlantic School of Theology provide opportunities for people to connect and then nurture those connections as ideas become reality.
