2015 Spark* Changemaker Program for South African Social Entrepreneurs

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 25th May 2015

The Spark* Changemaker Program is a powerful opportunity for passionate South Africans who are at the early stages of building social businesses and organisations that exist to make a difference for people living in poverty.

Eligibility Criteria:

Spark is looking for South African social entrepreneurs who:

– Are based in Cape Town or surrounding provinces.

– Have already launched a social enterprise that is already making a difference in the lives of tens of people living in poverty.

– Want to scale their social enterprise to impact many more people living in poverty.

Program Detail:

If you are successful in your application you: 

–  ATTEND THE CHANGEMAKER ACCELERATOR –

• An intensive five day live-in workshop in Cape Town where you join a small group of Spark* Changemakers and access world class social entrepreneurship training designed to help you focus your non-profit or business and accelerate the growth of your venture.

– ACCESS THE CHANGEMAKER SUPPORT NETWORK –

• Beyond the accelerator you receive ongoing training and support from Spark* International and we connect you to experts and professionals who can help you as you launch and grow your non-profit or social business.
• Specifically Spark will provide you with three years of access to graphic designers, website creators, business coaches, mentors, research assistants, lawyers and accountants (all super helpful for you as a social entrepreneur working to grow your venture). 
• You also have the opportunity to continually apply for small grants (approximately 2000 – 2500 rand) to help you overcome barriers and test ideas to grow the impact or sustainability of your venture.

– ACCESS POWERFUL CONNECTIONS – 

• Spark* is an official pipeline partner with a number of powerful organisations that can help you scale a proven social enterprise including Ashoka, Echoing Green and the Unreasonable Institute as well as impact investors to help you raise capital if you are a social enterprise.
• Spark can prepare you for these opportunities and make connections for you.

PROGRAM COST

• Spark ask that each successful applicant contributes R1000 to the cost of the program. This amount helps Spark* provide you with 5 days of accommodation, food, transport and world class training as well as three years of ongoing support and connections.
• The cost to Spark* is much higher but we request that you make this contribution to help us cover a small portion of the expenses we will incur.
• If you are not able to make R1000 contribution, you are encouraged to seek sponsorship from friends, family, or your community.

Notification:

You will be notified of the status of your application by the 15th of June 2015.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the Spark* Changemaker Program