Spark 2026

Join us for the SPARK Business Accelerator Program
Fall 2026
September 10, 2026 - November 12, 2026

All classes will be held in person on the campus of Saint Mary’s College.

This program begins on Thursday, September 10, 2026, and ends with a graduation celebration on Thursday, November 19, 2026. The class meets on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Homework assignments will require 4-6 hours of work per week.

SPARK provides a blueprint for developing your business idea. Our program includes training in financial accounting and management, planning, marketing, and other business skills that will give you the tools necessary to start or expand your own business. You will experience interactive activities that will help you develop your entrepreneurial mindset, identify new opportunities, as well as understand and connect with your target customers.

Best of all, you will complete this intensive training program with other women business owners who will become part of your ongoing support system along with our mentors and subject-area experts.

SPARK'S Mission

To cultivate the entrepreneurial capacity of women with a combination of personal education, business training, and ongoing professional mentoring to sustainably advance beyond socio-economic boundaries and achieve self-sufficiency. Read more about the SPARK program here.