Deadline: 5 April 2024
Applicants are encouraged for the IdeaSpark Program, a collaboration between The Viscardi Center and the Hynes Institute of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Iona University.
The IdeaSpark Program engages individuals with disabilities in developing an entrepreneurial mindset. Participants will discover what it takes to be an innovator and entrepreneur by engaging in a series of activities that will let them define an entrepreneurial opportunity and explore its feasibility over a six-week period.
Embedded in the virtual program will be opportunities for participants to interact with entrepreneurs and experts in their fields, as well as partner with Iona University students serving as Peer Mentors. Participants will be given challenges that will help them develop and apply entrepreneurial skills in action. At a culminating Second Annual IdeaSpark Program Pitchfest event, they will practice presentation skills and share aspects of their personal learning experiences, while pitching their business ideas and competing for equity-free cash grants.
Program Goals
- The IdeaSpark Program is a collaboration between with historic commitments to advancing entrepreneurship, these two institutions are partnering to advance inclusivity among budding entrepreneurs in the disability community.
- Leveraging their unique strengths, TVC and Iona University are introducing this program to provide a fully accessible introduction to entrepreneurship as a first step for those interested in business ownership as a viable employment pathway to financial independence.
Program Benefits
Students in this program will:
- Foster and apply an entrepreneurial mindset
- Develop an idea into a viable business model
- Enhance their presentation and pitching skills
- Learn and apply creative problem-solving skills
- Create a professional network with like-minded individuals
- Benefit from Peer Mentor support
- Pitch to a panel of judges for a chance to win an equity-free cash grant
Eligibility Criteria
Participants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Be 18 years of age or older and self-identify as having a disability
- Have a defined business concept, or are actively launching a business
- Commit to attend all class sessions and complete assignments
- Sign the participant agreement.
For more information, visit The Viscardi Center.
