On August 31, SAAAC Autism Centre celebrated an exciting milestone: our first-ever SPARKS Demo Day.
After 12 weeks of developing, testing, and refining their business ideas, SPARKS participants had the opportunity to share their ventures with the community. Guests met the entrepreneurs, learned about their products and services, offered feedback, and supported participants as they put their ideas into action.
SPARKS is SAAAC’s entrepreneurship pathway for autistic and neurodivergent people, caregivers, and family-led ventures. The program is built around the belief that traditional employment does not have to be the only route to economic participation. Entrepreneurship can offer another pathway to income, independence, meaningful work, and the opportunity to build something around an individual’s strengths and ideas.
The SPARKS program is proudly supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation, helping SAAAC create new opportunities for entrepreneurship and economic participation within our community.
Joining us as our VIP for the evening was Scarborough entrepreneur and business leader Ajan Thiru. Drawing from his own journey through entrepreneurship, consulting, investment, and mentorship, Ajan offered words of encouragement to our participants, spent time connecting with their businesses, and helped recognize their completion of the SPARKS program.
The evening was ultimately about possibility. Our first Demo Day gave participants a platform to move their ideas beyond the classroom and into the community, while giving SAAAC an opportunity to explore new approaches to addressing employment and economic inclusion.
SPARKS will be beginning a new cohort in October 2026. You can apply HERE.