SPARK LAB
A youth pre-accelerator
Colorado is developing one of the most dynamic entrepreneurship ecosystems in the country — spanning energy, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and cutting-edge tech. But rural youth have limited pathways into that ecosystem.
Spark Lab exists to change that.
What is Spark Lab?
Spark Lab is a free, 15-hour, 7-session entrepreneurship program embedded directly in the school day.
Students don't opt in — they're enrolled as part of their regular schedule, which means we reach young people who might never seek out an entrepreneurship program on their own. Whether participants are running an active business, developing an early-stage venture or nonprofit concept, or bringing innovative ideas to a family business or employer, Spark Lab helps them take their next step.
Over the course of seven interactive 90-minute meetups, participants explore community challenges, refine their business concepts, identify their “asks,” and prepare a two-minute pitch for the culminating Pitch Event. At this event, Homegrown Pathways provides seed funding, giving youth the opportunity to bring their ideas to life.
Spark Lab has now run across three school districts in western Colorado — Montrose, Delta, and Ridgway — serving students in grades 9–12th. Beyond the program, Spark Lab connects young entrepreneurs with regional resources to further develop their ventures, building skills, social capital, and confidence that will carry them forward in their entrepreneurial journey.
The 7-Week Spark Lab Model Plus Pitch Event Preparation
After completing spark lab, you will…
Find focus for your business’ strategic direction, including financing and customer demand.
Build your social capital and awareness of local and state funding and implementation resources that can support your future growth.
Create relationships with other early stage youth founders in rural Colorado for peer-to-peer support.
Gain the confidence and skills that can help you move forward in launching your own business and/or further position you as an innovator and “intrapreneur” through career pathways with other regional businesses.
Develop your own entrepreneurial mindset and real-life experience in preparing your ideas to be pitched to a professional audience.
The Outcomes
We start the program with a pre-survey and then administer a post implementation survey to see how they’ve grown.
The results say it all—participants cite increased self-efficacy, improved durable skills, expanded social capital, and a better understanding of the resources available to support their entrepreneurial and career journeys. Check out survey results below:
98% of participants shared that they are more likely to take action on a future business as a result of Spark Lab!
Pre → Post Survey Results
98% of Innovators shared they would recommend Spark Lab to a Friend.
95% report meaningful impact on their career pathway thinking
98% say they’re more likely to take action on a future idea
100% of teachers said their students developed durable skills that they "would not have otherwise developed
“We have learned so much and met so many great people. I can say, without a doubt, I will take everything I have learned here and utilize it in my entrepreneurial life. This program that you all have created is truly amazing.”
Spark Lab in The News
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North Fork High School Students Pitch Projects and Receive Seed Money
High Country Spotlight
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Montrose Students Pitch Businesses, Nonprofits, and Creative Ventures Through Innovative Spark Lab Program
Western Slope Trellis
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Peak Virtual Academy students receive $9,250 for pitched venture projects
Western Slope Now
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Seed Money Helps Teens Sprout Businesses
Ouray County Plaindealer