SPARK – Student Accelerator Programme
*Application form linked in “TO APPLY” section below*
Have you got a business idea but you’re not sure where to go with it? Then GROWTHhub SPARK, our student accelerator programme, is just what you need. This accelerator programme will provide you with the foundation knowledge you need to get you started.
The SPARK programme exposes you to masterclasses, delivered by a team of professionals, to help you explore the potential in your business idea. The programme will introduce you to useful frameworks and tools which allow you to consider fundamental questions as you explore the potential in your business idea. Completion of this programme will provide you with a good foundation to start your own business or to move on to more advanced enterprise supports (where relevant).
This programme welcomes students from any SETU programme. To get involved, you must have a business idea that you wish to work on. We are open to all kinds of business ideas, such as new artisan foods, fitness and wellbeing services, new apps or software, healthcare products or services, new product ideas, 3D printing etc. Bring your idea and your passion to succeed and see where SPARK can take you.
Who can join the SPARK programme?
While the GROWTHhub SPARK programme welcomes students from all disciplines who have a business idea, final year students and post-graduate students will be given priority. The programme is open to both individuals and groups.
What will I get out of it?
The GROWTHhub SPARK programme provides you with the opportunity to:
- Evaluate the potential of your business idea
- Access expert advice and support
- Build your enterprise skills and knowledge
- Challenge your thinking
- Understand ‘value’ from your customers perspective
- Discover who your customers really are
- Develop your idea into a business
- Network with other students who are in a similar position to you.
- Network with experts in the area
- Build confidence to present and pitch your business idea
- Discover other enterprise supports in the region that could help you take your next steps.
Students who successfully complete the programme will receive a GROWTHhub certificate of completion and ONE team will secure a student bursary of €1,000 to invest in their business venture.
How will it be delivered?
SPARK will run 1 day per week across five weeks from Tuesday 21st May to Tuesday 18th June. The programme will take place every Tuesday in the GROWTHhub (ground floor of the business building, Cork Road campus).
See the outline plan below:
| Date | Time | Delivery | Topic | |
| 1 | Tuesday 21st May | 10.00am – 4.00pm | In Person | Building Foundations |
| 2 | Tuesday 28th May | 9.30am – 4.00pm | In Person | Problem Solution Fit |
| 3 | Tuesday 4th June | 9.30am – 4.00pm | In Person | Estimating Market Size |
| 4 |
Tuesday 11th June
|
9:30 am – 4.00pm | In Person | Funding for Start-Ups
Pitch Perfect |
| 6 | Tuesday 18th June | 9.30am – 1.00pm | In Person | Pitch your Business Idea
& Next Steps |
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What past students have said:
I really enjoyed the workshops and the sessions offered as the part of the pre-accelerator program by GROWTHhub. The sessions were offered by experienced professionals, who have worked with SMEs or have had successful start-ups in the past. Overall we covered a lot in such a short duration.
Nitish Swami, PhD student
The course was absolutely amazing!! ! I really enjoyed every part of it. It has definitely opened my eyes! From chatting to everyone on the programme, the feedback was that they were just so delighted with the whole thing.
Alannah Pardy
I really have learnt so much about entrepreneurship. The course was fantastic overall. I enjoyed the variety of people and connections we got to make. It has really opened my eyes in what I should be doing and how I should be approaching my business.
Adrian Hebel
To Apply:
Please fill out the application form attached HERE. Places are FREE but limited.
PLEASE NOTE: Only current SETU registered students can apply. Please apply using your students email, as correspondence can only occur through these. Where the GROWTHhub SPARK Programme is oversubscribed, applications will be reviewed and you will be notified by email if you have secured a place.
We look forward to seeing you!
