Spark 2009

Spark 09 was the second year of the Spark Challenge, following the highly successful Spark 08. 139 applications were received from housing associations, social enterprises and organisations who wanted to diversify into the social enterprise homeless sector. Spark 2009 Applicants please click here Link

As with Spark 08 there was a six-week application period, after which 15 finalists were selected by an external panel made up of some of the Spark partners. Eastside Consulting, again, ran a three-month investment coaching programme run for each finalist to help them to develop their investment plans, financial models and learn how to perfect their business pitch.

At the Spark 09 Investment Event 15 finalists presented their business plans to a panel of social enterprise champions and high-level corporate representatives. The enterprises were asked to indicate their particular financial requirements, which they hoped Spark’s prize money would go towards meeting. The event decided how the money would be allocated between the 15 finalists.

Thirteen major investment awards, providing a substantial proportion of the enterprises investment requirement, were made, with two of the remaining finalists receiving a contribution towards the costs of developing their business models.

The prizes for 2009 were:

• Investment coaching
• Share of £650,000 investment fund
• 13 winners of major investment awards received ongoing mentoring from the Spark partners
• Professional film and photographs of each finalist
• Profile: Marketing for winning enterprises through Spark

The Spark 09 winners continue to receive mentoring and support from the Spark Partners and as with the Spark 08 winners are considered to be champions of social enterprise tackling homelessness.

Visit the Spark 09 Finalists page to find out more about each organisation’s work and output since entering Spark.

• Read about what the Spark 2009 finalists said about Spark