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SparkWV 2025

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Business application deadline
November 15, 2024
Judge sign-up deadline
November 1, 2024
Entry fee
Free
Join this competition

Description

The EdVenture Group, in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education, is excited to announce the return of SparkWV, an entrepreneurship-inspired competition designed to ignite the creativity of West Virginia’s middle and high school students. Now in its second year, SparkWV offers young innovators the chance to turn their ideas into reality, develop business skills, and compete for prizes. 
 
Students can choose between two competition tracks: 
  • Track 1 “Big Ideas” allows students to propose ideas for a product or invention, such as an app or new technology, even if they don’t yet have the resources to build it.  
  • Track 2 “Small Business” allows students to present a viable small business concept that they could start in their local community, such as a homemade jewelry business or a coffee shop.  
 
Students in both tracks will have the opportunity to win up to $10,000 in prizes for themselves and their classroom.

Why should you participate? 
  • Creative Challenges: Students have the opportunity to create new inventions, innovative solutions, and small businesses that could benefit their local communities and showcase their talents. 
  • Valuable Prizes and Mentorship: The competition offers exciting prizes, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities from industry experts to help students further develop their ideas. 
  • Skill Development: Throughout the competition, students will have access to workshops, coaching, and resources that build their entrepreneurial skills, mindset, and knowledge. 
  • Networking Opportunities: Students will have the chance to connect with like-minded peers, mentors, and industry professionals in the entrepreneurship ecosystem, creating valuable connections for future endeavors.

View the VentureDash Sign-Up Tutorial to help navigate your submission!

Schedule and key dates

Important Dates: 
  • Registration Deadline: Students must register through the VentureDash portal and submit their first-round requirements by November 15th. 
  • Semi-Finalist Notification: Semi-finalists will be notified by December 6th, with round two submissions due by January 31st. 
  • Final Pitch: Finalists will present their ideas live to a panel of judges during Bridging Innovation Week 2025 on April 30th at the Frank Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. 

Organized by

The EdVenture Group, Inc.

Date and time

Address and location

Shepherd University Frank Center
Shepherdstown, West Virginia

Components

Round 1: Business Basics

Welcome to the first round of the SparkWV Pitch Competition! This is your chance...

Weight: 50%
Edit Round 1: Business Basics

Round 2: Lean Canvas + Pitch Deck

Round 2 requires the submission of a Lean Canvas and pitch deck for your busines...

Weight: 50%
Edit Round 2: Lean Canvas + Pitch Deck