Your business idea deserves a chance
Find your spark. Build your future.
Our 5-step programme is for anyone exploring entrepreneurshipacross Scotland.
Whether you're making soap, building apps, growing food, or designing services - if you're curious about starting up but don'tyet see yourself as an "entrepreneur", this is for you.
How Spark works
A fully-funded, flexible program that fits around your life.
01
In-Person Roadshow
Join us at a local session in your area.
Meet others exploring ideas, hear from people who've been there, and see what's possible. No pressure ,just possibility.
02
Spark
Planner
A practical tool to plan, take notes, gather tips from expert speakers, and build your business contacts. It's your companion as you work things out, you’ll add to with top tip 1 pagers andt emplates for business processes.
03
Online Masterclasses
Bite-sized workshops with expert speakers covering what you actually need.
Our experts work with people like you to help you grow skills, raise awareness of the steps to take when running a business and help point you to the next stage
04
Curated
Connections
One-to-one introductions to find co-founders, collaborators, or earlyteam members. We’ll match ambitions, look to give ideas to fill skills gaps and join people like you from across the country
05
Showcase &
Next Steps
Join the in-person showcase to share what you've built, connect with your cohort, and work out your next steps.
Hear from others who have followed this journey, and learn how they’d do it all again!
Plus: Travel and childcare bursaries available where they make the difference. We've designed this around real lives, not ideal ones
All Businesses Welcome
Side hustles, ideas, physical stores, tech products....
Side Hustles
Retail
Tech Start-up
Who is Spark For?
Spark is for people who are curious about starting up but don't yet see themselves as entrepreneurs.
Maybe you've got an idea you're not sure about.
Maybe you've already started but feel stuck.
Maybe you just know there's something missing, but you're not sure what.
You don't need to have it all figured out. You don't need a business plan. You don't need to call yourself an entrepreneur.
You just need to be curious about what's possible.
You'll fit right in if:
You're exploring an idea but don't know where to start
You've started something, but feel isolated
You're balancing work, caring, or other commitments
You're from outsite the cites and want local support
You're looking for collaborators or co-founders
You want practical help, not just theory
You'd rather try things than just talk about them
About Us
Spark is led by Sam Rhynas and Ceri Shaw - entrepreneurs with long experience in technology, product and delivery. We've designed and delivered inclusive programmes with major Scottish organisations, and we mentor and take fractional roles inside startups and scaleups.
We know what works because we've built it, tested it, and done it ourselves.
Coming to your area
Roadshow sessions across Scotland
30th January: Perth
5th February: Ayr
6th February: Dumfries
10th February: Stonehaven
11th February: Huntly
13th February: Melrose
17th February: Falkirk
19th February: Inverness
20th February: Fort William
After the Roadshows: 4 Online sessions followed by a business showcase events in March in Aberdeen, Glasgow or Inverness
Spark the Connection is funded by the Scottish Government Ecosystem Pathways Fund.
Led by Sam Rhynas and Ceri Shaw
Places are free for participants
