Description
SparkWV is an innovative idea and small business generation competition for middle and high school students in West Virginia. The competition consists of three competitive rounds. Students are invited to apply as individuals or as a team with up to four members.

SparkWV includes two tracks:
BIG IDEAS: You have an idea for a product or invention that solves a problem, but you don’t necessarily have the physical resources or expertise to make it.
Examples: Apps, inventions, etc.
SMALL BUSINESS: You have a business idea that viable and could be started in your local community or a hobby/skill that you could sell.
Examples: Homemade jewelry, local coffee shop, etc.

SparkWV’s three rounds:
Round 1 Idea Submission: Students will submit their track selection, a business name, brief description of their idea, and its relevancy to the track they selected (i.e., what problem it solves, how its an opportunity in their local community, or how it utilizes a skill/hobby to create a business.)

Round 2 BMC + Pitch Deck Submission: Up to 40 businesses (20 per track) will be selected as semi-finalists. Round 2 submissions will include a business model canvas and pitch deck for each business idea.

Round 3 Live Pitch: Up to 10 teams will be selected to pitch live as part of Bridging Innovation Week 2024 in Huntington, West Virginia. Students will give a five minute live pitch on their idea to a panel of judges.