We are excited to share an amazing opportunity for middle and high school students in West Virginia! The EdVenture Group, in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education, is hosting SparkWV, an idea and small business generation competition for middle and high school students in West Virginia. SparkWV encourages participants to develop creative business concepts, enhance their problem-solving skills, and gain hands-on experience in the world of entrepreneurship. This competition allows participants to explore the development process and refine their pitching skills. While they may choose to create a real business or product, the primary focus is on learning the steps involved in bringing a business to life from idea to launch. Students will select one of two tracks to compete: Big Ideas : Got an awesome idea for a new app, gadget, or groundbreaking tech? Big Idea is where dreamers can shine! Students don’t need to have the tools or cash to build it yet – all they need is that idea. Whether it’s a next-level app or an invention that could change the world, this is their chance to pitch a vision and bring their imagination to life.
Small Business: Got a skill, hobby, passion, or existing side hustle? Small Business provides students a platform to launch a small business right in their community. Whether it’s selling homemade jewelry, starting a coffee shop, or any cool business idea, this is all about creating something real that you could kickstart locally.
Students from both tracks will compete to win up to $10,000 in prizes for themselves and their classrooms. Prizes include business funding, scholarships, equipment, and more! Key Dates: October Info Sessions October 15th at 8:30am | Register Here October 23rd @ 3:30pm | Register Here Note: All registered individuals will receive the recording – even if you’re unable to attend live!
November 15: Round 1 Deadline Students register individually via the VentureDash platform. Students register their business and add any team members. Submit a PDF of the Round 1: Business Basics requirement by 11:59pm EST on November 15th. Business Basics (details and sample submissions provided in the portal) includes: Track Selection Business Name Target Customer Opportunity or Problem Solution Personal Statement
December 6: Semi-Finalists Announced (Up to 40) January 31: Semi-Finalist Round 2 Submissions Due Lean Canvas (Template Provided): A 1-page graphic organizer of the business with sections for customer segment, problem, solution, value proposition, channels, unfair advantage, key metrics, cost structure, and revenue streams. Pitch Deck: A slide deck of 5-10 slides, branded for your company that includes a title slide, individual/team introductions, business description, problem + solution, target customer, and a financial ask. Think SharkTank!
February 21: Finalists Notified April 30: Live Pitch at Bridging Innovation Week in Shepherdstown, WV
Registration Details: Interested students and schools can find more information by visiting The EdVenture Group’s website or contacting the SparkWV lead, Amber Ravenscroft, at aravenscroft@edvgroup.org. All student entrepreneurs and business submissions must go through the VentureDash portal and must have an identified teacher/mentor as an adult point of contact. We hope to see students from across the state take advantage of this exciting chance to bring their innovative ideas to life! |
