Spark Tank

Logo for the Spark Tank Initiative

At Spartanburg Community College, the Spark Center Ignite Fund envisions a future
where every student and aspiring entrepreneur—regardless of background—
is equipped with the tools, mentorship, and resources to transform ambition into achievement,
driving innovation and strengthening our local economy through business creation.

Application Goes Live: April 1, 2026

Deadline to Apply: May 1, 2026

APPLY TODAY!

Open to ALL college students in Spartanburg, Cherokee, or Union counties. Please note, applicants must be actively enrolled at and attending a college in one of the three service counties: Spartanburg, Cherokee, and Union.

Applications will be reviewed by at least two advisory committee members. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview to discuss their proposal. Final recommendations will be submitted to Dr. Michael Mikota, President of SCC, for approval. Awardees must submit a written report detailing grant outcomes.

Applicants not selected will receive feedback to support future submissions.

So, Why Spark Tank?

Early-stage grant funding for college student entrepreneurs!

Includes Spark Center mentorship and business support! For Spartanburg County students, this also includes mentorship with PowerUp Spartanburg!

Supports new business creation and local economic growth!

Includes consideration for use of SCC's Spark Center resources!

" 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. "

- Mike Forrester, Founder of The Spark Fund