SCC Launches 2026-2027 Spark Tank Competition for Student Entrepreneurs

SCC Launches 2026-2027 Spark Tank Competition for Student Entrepreneurs

SPARTANBURG, SC — Spartanburg Community College (SCC) is launching the 2026 – 2027 Spark Tank Competition, an entrepreneurial competition designed to help college students turn promising business ideas into growing ventures.

Supported by the Spark Center Ignite Fund, Spark Tank is open to currently enrolled college students located in Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union counties. Participants will have the opportunity to compete for up to $10,000 in grant funding to support their businesses and may also be considered for residency opportunities at one of SCC’s Spark Centers.

“Spark Tank reflects what Spartanburg Community College is all about—creating opportunities for people to take an idea, develop it, and turn it into something that can have a meaningful impact,” said Dr. Michael Mikota, President of Spartanburg Community College. “By investing in student entrepreneurs, we are not only supporting their individual goals, but also encouraging the innovation, talent, and economic growth that will help shape the future of our region.”

"After working with start-up companies at the Spark Center for more than sixteen years, one recurring challenge became unmistakably clear: most of them struggled to secure the initial capital needed to launch. Recognizing this critical gap, I created the Spark Ignite Fund—a grant initiative designed to support promising ventures at the very beginning of their journey," said Mike Forrester, Founder of The Spark Fund. 

The multi-phase competition will provide participants with more than an opportunity to win funding. Entrepreneurs will receive guidance and hands-on experience designed to strengthen their business concepts, sharpen their presentations, and prepare them to effectively communicate their ideas to potential investors, customers, and community partners.

During the first phase, entrepreneurs will submit an online application outlining their business, product or service, market opportunity, revenue strategy, planned use of grant funds, and their qualifications. A panel of reviewers will select the top five applicants and two alternates to advance to the pitch round.

Selected entrepreneurs will then participate in the Pitch Development phase, which includes a pitch information session and two pitch preparation sessions. Participants will receive coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, business leaders and pitching experts as they refine their presentations and strengthen their business stories.

The competition will culminate with the Spark Tank Finals on January 7, 2027, at SCC’s Downtown Campus. Finalists will deliver 10-minute business pitches before a panel of judges, who will select the winning venture or ventures. Up to $10,000 in total grant funding will be awarded, with the possibility of multiple winners.

Important Dates:

• Application Information Session: October 17, 2026, at SCC Fall Festival
• Application Deadline: October 31, 2026
• Pitch Information Session: November 12, 2026, at the SCC Career Fair
• Pitch Prep Session #1: November 19, 2026, at the Spark Center
• Pitch Prep Session #2: December 10, 2026, at the Spark Center
• Spark Tank Finals: January 7, 2027, at SCC’s Downtown Campus

 

Learn more and Apply