• SPARK is ideal for builders, developers, designers, product experts, growth hackers, or a combination of all who are currently working on a startup idea in tech. We are looking for companies that want to launch a venture-backable business.

• Verticals we look for, but are not limited to: Software, Fintech, Biotech, Climate Tech, Water Tech, Healthtech, Agtech, Bio-manufacturing, Cleantech, Agtech, Education Tech, Cybersecurity, Mobility, and Minority-led companies. 

• Who this isn’t for? Brick & Mortar stores, Service Businesses, CPG, and pre-product / pre-MVP companies.

Our goal for companies participating in the SPARK program is to provide foundational support to builders to validate their ideas, launch their MVPs, and prepare them for a pre-accelerator.

We aim for at least one-third of our SPARK graduates to achieve one of the following milestones within six months after gratuating:

• Launch an MVP/product by week 7 or

• Incorporate business or

• Get accepted to an accelerator program

SPARK is designed for the post-idea, pre-MVP/product phase. SPARK provides the foundational support for builders to validate their ideas, launch their MVPs, and prepare them for a pre-accelerator like gBETA. SPARK is ideal for builders with an idea for a business but still working on the MVP or first product.

gALPHA is designed for the ideation stage for aspiring entrepreneurs who don’t necessarily have an idea or product yet.

gBETA is designed for post-MVP/product, early traction/revenue, and early-stage companies looking to grow and scale. gBETA facilitates the growth of early-stage companies who already have a product and need help navigating growth and fundraising. gBETA is ideal for early-stage startups that have already launched a product or MVP and have early traction.

The program runs in an in-person format in Huntsville, AL. 

We won’t sugar-coat it; running a startup and bringing it through an accelerator is a commitment, but participation in SPARK is meant to fit alongside other commitments you have, like school and work. We usually require two to four hours per week of in-person workshop meetings, plus follow-ups and other outside time that founders will need to spend working on their businesses.

That said, our intention is always to work on projects and goals that will move your company forward significantly, so it’s time well spent. And, we do realize founders are busy while balancing their personal lives and their work lives. Directors will work with each founder to ensure the program works with their schedule. That said, we expect founders will make every effort to get the most out of their experience.

Aspiring entrepreneurs will work one-on-one with their program director to validate the problem they are solving, develop product ideas, and test ideas through the development and launch of a minimum viable product (MVP).

Through one-on-one interaction with their program director, participants gain valuable personalized insights that can be applied to their business strategy. Program focus areas include identifying high-growth business opportunities, validating the idea, developing a minimum viable product, and getting started in building a company.

Benefits include:

• Access to gener8tor’s robust national network of thousands of fellow entrepreneurs, mentors and investors, and warm introductions to those most relevant to your business

• Membership in gener8tor’s startup community of thousands of startup founders, with access to gener8tor’s network, events and resources for the lifetime of your business.

To be considered for the SPARK program, simply complete the online application, including a short video introduction. This video will help us get to know the founders and understand the project you’re building. There’s no interview required—just the application and video submission.

We highly recommend signing up for office hours before or after applying. This is a great opportunity to meet with the program director, learn more about SPARK, and ask any questions about the program or your startup’s fit. If selected, you’ll be notified after the application review period ends.

Once founders complete the program, they become alumni. Directors keep close contact and continue to support their alumni, and alumni are part of the gener8tor network for the life of their business. We make every effort to ensure they are considered for future opportunities such as the gBETA program, which tends to be a great next step for alumni, gener8tor’s investment accelerators, inclusion in our OnRamp conferences, or introductions to mentors and investors. We have your back from start to finish.

Usually, yes, or within a reasonable distance for commuting. The program runs in an in-person format in Huntsville, AL.

We’re eager to hear about companies you think would be a perfect fit for SPARK. Click here to share your referrals with us.