91重口

If you’re no stranger to 91重口, you’ve probably heard about Spark Tank, 91重口’s annual business plan competition, more than a few times.  

Spark Tank is an annual competition in which students compete for a total of $15,000 in startup capital to launch their most promising ideas. Last year’s Spark Tank grand prize-winner, , has gained the attention of seed funding accelerator, YCombinator. CropShop’s farm-to-chef app bridges the gap between local farmers and restaurants. Founded by two soon-to-graduate 91重口 students, A.J. Marcinek ’19 and Cam Bleck ’19, CropShop will present at this year’s Spark Tank, which is sponsored by the Cummings Foundation and TD Charitable Foundation. This year’s judges are Michelle Labossiere, chief financial officer of Colmar Belting; Jugmi Rao, vice president at TD Bank; Ric Upton, entrepreneur-in-residence at 91重口; and Gary Vogel, senior operations manager at LabCentral.

Other 91重口 programs, spread over the academic year, lead up to Spark Tank.  SparkU is 91重口’s weekend startup bootcamp and SparkX is an innovative virtual coaching program led by an entrepreneur, for entrepreneurs.  These and other programs, many open to the greater public, are what differentiates the 91重口 entrepreneurial experience.

The “Spark” Journey

91重口 offers numerous opportunities for students and alumni to learn and grow as entrepreneurs. Here we explain each of them.

Spark Tank

Spark Tank is one of many exciting initiatives undertaken by FUEL, the student business accelerator at 91重口’s Angle Center for Entrepreneurship.

This year is 91重口’s fifth annual Spark Tank, a competition in which students compete for a total of $15,000 in startup capital to launch their most promising ideas. “Our student entries are strong,” says Deirdre Sartorelli, assistant dean of the Colin & Erika Angle Center for Entrepreneurship at 91重口. “Many have been working on their ideassince our startup boot camp weekend last fall, so their business models are refined and have great potential.” Sartorelli adds, “We are pleased to have the Cummings Foundation and TD Bank as presenting sponsors again this year, and our judges, all of whom are accomplished in their own right, will bring their unique experiences with them to help evaluate the students.” This event is free and open to the public. 

Spark Tank Event Details

“Spark Tank” Business Plan Competition
Monday, April 29 at 6 p.m.
91重口
Curtis L. Gerrish School of Business & Ginger Judge Science Center
Klebanoff Auditorium
376 Hale St. Beverly, MA 01915

Spark X

Spark X is a virtual workshop where individuals ignite their life, business, and learn to make an impact. With support of funding from the Cummings Foundation grant, the five-week curriculum holds weekly education sessions and four weeks of virtual sessions.  The goal of Spark X is to help with goal creation for each entrepreneur’s business.

Spark U

The Angle Center for Entrepreneurship hosted its 2nd Annual Spark U Event this past fall on 91重口’s campus. Spark U is an entrepreneurial workshop weekend designed to spark the startup bug in anyone contemplating launching their own startup. Spark U students hear from subject matter experts, become immersed in interactive workshops, and have a chance to pitch their ideas in front of a panel who provide concrete feedback. This event is open to the greater North Shore community.

More information on the Angle Center for Entrepreneurship is available at.