Sparklers 2010

Sparklers 2010 the story so far

Sparklers 2010 was launched on 2nd of August with a nationwide search to find homeless entrepreneurs.

Applications closed on 18th October and the 5 finalists (see below) were announced on 20th October.

The finalists began the 2010 programme with a team building event at Highpoint Conference Centre in Leicester when their first task was to cook dinner for 90 people under the tuition of leading chef Simon Boyle, a Spark 2009 winner.

“What are we meant to do with this?”

Sparklers 2010 Finalists Announced

We are delighted to announce the Sparklers 2010 Finalists: -

Hatem AlyElyyazzet Aly - Karate Fitness

Paul Coombes - LASU

Andy Wand - AW Decorators

Musa Hayyan - Queens Park Media

Milton Martin - Community Improvement Project

“this tastes really good”

Sparklers provide opportunities for homeless entrepreneurs to develop both new business ideas and the skills to run their own businesses

Following the success of the Sparklers pilot programme in 2009, we are delighted to announce that the Department for Communities and Local Government has agreed to fund a follow up programme – Sparklers 2010.

Sparklers 2010 wants to support homeless people who have the vision, drive, and passion to transform their business ideas into reality.

The aims for Sparklers 2010 are to: -

• Identify ideas for new business ventures
• Develop and market test the new business ideas
• Support budding entrepreneurs to develop skills required to run their own businesses
• Assist homeless entrepreneurs launch their businesses

Sparklers will provide a six month business development and entrepreneur support programme starting in October 2010.

Do you have a new business idea or want to start your own business?

Have you been homeless or at risk of homelessness in the last 2 years?

Do you have an organisation that will sponsor your application?

If you the answer to these questions are ‘yes’, then keep an eye out for Sparklers 2011

“this is how you do it” Simon Boyle shows the way

Sparklers Pilot Programme 2009

To find out about the individuals and business ideas supported through Sparklers 2009 click here