SparkTank Business Accelerator

Could You Be An Entrepreneur?

The latest information can be found on http://sparktank.biz

There are currently no confirmed dates for the next accelerator

SPARKTANK is a free, 10-week business start-up accelerator based in Gateshead’s vibrant Baltic Business Quarter. We believe every idea deserves a shot at life and this intense programme will help you work out if you want to be an entrepreneur and discover whether your business idea has potential or not. There are only two possible outcomes: success and learning.

The programme

The businesses will develop through a series of tests and activities over 10 weeks. Each week has a guiding theme and interactive workshops. There will be weekly “Pitch and Pizza” sessions where budding entrepreneurs practice pitching to each other, the mentors and visiting experts.

There is also a 24-hour generator session and a focus on reflection and mentoring. The programme is run by mentors who bring in first-hand experience, their own wider networks and specialist knowledge including business planning, digital marketing and product design.

Support

As well as providing you with mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and specialist input from experts in marketing, legal issues, product development, raising finance and more, some of the most important support you will get will be from working alongside other people going through the business start-up process.

Gateshead Council is providing free business accommodation. Northumbria University and the Gateshead Council are also offering a range of additional ongoing support services. The programme is full-time and it is expected you will spend most of your time working from the centre in Gateshead – when you're not out talking to potential customers.

Funding

Gateshead Council is offering a grant of £1,000 for the first seven successful applicants towards living costs while on the programme. Further funding may be available for tech start-ups. In addition we will connect you to regional and national networks to help you to raise finance to take your venture forward.