The Small Business Enterprise Centre is proud to present the 2nd annual SPARC Entrepreneur Challenge. This Dragon’s Den© style competition represents an exciting opportunity for local entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas and compete for over $30,000 in cash and prizes.

SPARC is now accepting applications and the deadline is January 31, 2012 at 4:30 p.m.!

Application and criteria are available at SPARC challenge or by contacting the Small Business Enterprise Centre at 705-446-3355.

The Judges this year include Mark Crowe from Stonebridge; Howard Thompson, Senior Vice-President Western Ontario Region, TD Bank; Gord Canning - CEO and Chairman, Blue Mountain Resorts Limited; and Paula Zubek, Owner/Operator - Copper Blues. Our judges will listen to the contestant pitches and ultimately decide whose idea has SPARC!

SPARC will be held on March 2, 2012 at the Georgian Manor starting at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are now available for sale at SPARC Challenge or at the Small Business Enterprise Centre at 105 Hurontario Street. Tickets are $10.00 in advance and $15.00 at the door.

For more information about the competition and event sponsorship, visit SPARC Challenge or call the Small Business Enterprise Centre at 705-446-3355. Good luck to all contestants!

The focus of the Small Business Enterprise Centre is to provide support to start-up and existing small business enterprises during their development, retention and operation. We provide access to free business consulting services and information covering management, planning, technology and financing. The Small Business Enterprise Centre wants to celebrate local entrepreneurship by hosting SPARC. Funding for the event has been provided by the Bridges for Better Business – a Provincial initiative of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.

Contact: Gillian Fairley, Coordinator, Small Business Enterprise Centre
Phone: 705-446-3355
e-mail: sbec@collingwood.ca