The Spark gives underrepresented entrepreneurs access to the resources they need to build scalable businesses
The Spark - getthespark.co - has launched an all-in-one platform that gives underrepresented entrepreneurs on-demand access to the resources, tools, network and funding to start, sustain and scale their businesses.
This platform is powered by OneValley, a Silicon Valley-based global entrepreneurship platform that supports founders and empowers organizations across the globe to foster innovation communities.
Founders of African, Caribbean and Black descent, which account for the youngest population around the world, launch thousands of new businesses every year, yet they are failing at very high rates because of access to growth resources.
The aftermath of Covid19 has led to an emerging digital/tech ecosystem which is a multiplier of growth because access to technology enhances consumer information, networking, job-creating resources, and even financial inclusion.'
Ikenna Onuorah, CEO & Co-Founder of The Spark described the platform as an asynchronous accelerator for founders through which they can access a pool of investors, discounts on essential business tools valued at over one (1) million dollars, over 200 mentors and learning resources.We started this journey with a media platform that we used to inspire, connect, inform African startups, underrepresented founders and black-led businesses through different formats - magazine, podcast and masterclass. The next phase for us is to provide an all-in-one platform that aggregates an array of resources [access to mentors, discounts on services, VC connect etc] for underrepresented founders." he added.
Ikenna also went on to say that The Spark is partnering with Stitch, Bloc, Get Equity, Univelcity, Startup Edmonton and Africa Center to offer founders in their network an all-access pass for one month and a subsequent 20% discount.
The Spark has created a platform where any founder can pitch investors, extend the business runway by accessing discounts on essential business tools and services valued at over $1M, access learning resources, book sessions with mentors leading the best companies in the world and access a community of entrepreneurs across the globe.
According to Nitin Mathur, Vice President of Business Development at OneValley, "our partnership with The Spark is truly unique in that we're building a unique ecosystem that connects smart founders with like-minded entrepreneurs and industry veterans, democratizing the resources of Silicon Valley and sharing them with the global community hosted by The Spark in Africa and Canada."
Speaking on the benefit of the partnership, Jessica Manthey, Channel Partnerships Lead at Stitch said "our mission at Stitch is to enable fintech entrepreneurs in Africa to launch and grow their businesses more easily. The Spark is enabling access to critical resources and support that can further serve the startups we work with as they build innovative solutions." We are truly excited about the launch of the Spark technology platform powering the startups run by some of the most innovative impact-driven entrepreneurs focused on building a smart future.
The Spark is available to founders in Africa and underrepresented founders in Canada.
About The Spark
The Spark provides the necessary infrastructure that founders need to grow by building a collection of platforms, tools and networks that will give underrepresented founders the resources and confidence to start, scale and sustain their businesses.
The CEO of The Spark, Ikenna Onuorah, is available for interviews about how to enable the next generation of underrepresented founders through tech.
Contact: Uwem Uwemakpan, Chief Operating Officer, The Spark on communications@getthespark.coConnect with The Spark on Instagram and Twitter via @getthesparkco
