SPARK Centennial is a free six-month program created to empower small businesses, bring resources to their goals and connect them with a strong network of other business owners and resource partners in the city of Centennial.
Veronica Mata, Economic Development Specialist for the City of Centennial shares the heart behind this innovative program. She shares, “The idea with SPARK has always been to help businesses get more exposure. We find it is a way that they can get to know each other as business owners in Centennial and then just create more memorable customer experiences. We have really unique businesses here in Centennial and we’ve had this program going for six years. It’s changing every year, always with the goal to help our small businesses in our city.”
To apply for the program, all you need is to be a licensed business and have the ability to commit 20 hours between April to September to be an involved participant. Once businesses apply and are accepted, Veronica creates a curriculum based on their needs. She asks the question, “What’s one project you’ve wanted to work on for your business, but you haven’t due to time, budget or resource constraints? Once we answer that question, we figure out what project fits into that.”
What follows is an interactive and engaging program that gets the projects rolling. From touring facilities to customer enhancement projects, round tables or chats similar to TED talks or hosting an event, Veronica works one-on-one with business owners and also organizes events to create authentic connection between businesses.
“It's one-on-one time with me, getting to develop that project and execute that project that they select, and then it’s attending what I’m calling SPARK support events. Once a month, we’ll have support events. That’s another opportunity for the businesses to connect with resource partners,” she explains.
Their resource partners range from The Colorado Small Business Development, Arapahoe Libraries and Arapahoe Douglas Workforce, just to name a few.
She adds, “We’re here to help you set up something that’s going to have longevity beyond the six month program. We want to make sure we’re building something for your future here.”
Alumni to SPARK Centennial can attest to this as they continue to participate in different ways each year to build the community and facilitate support within the program.
Here are just five alumni businesses that return as pillars to connect and provide support each year with SPARK Centennial.
The Village Workspace: Centennial's premiere work, wellness and event center located in the heart of the city.
PostNet Centennial: Your one stop shop for printing, packaging supplies, graphic design, shipping and more!
Pink Poppy Media: Centennial-based commercial photographer specializing in branding, headshots and corporate event photography.
Shubu Creative: A brand-centric, full-service branding, marketing and PR agency based in Centennial.
K4CO Radio: Centennial first and only streaming radio station and marketing company focused on featuring Colorado musicians, businesses and non-profits.
Visit www.centennialco.gov/Business/Spark-Centennial to find out more.