Your Business,
Your Way

Scale your neurodivergent business with help from industry experts at the SAAAC SPARKS entrepreneurship program.

SAAAC SPARKS is unique business incubator created specifically for neurodiverse adults and caregivers. Designed to help you build and grow your business.

A new path

Traditional employment may not be the ideal path or end goal for all autistic and neurodiverse individuals. Its rigid structure can make it difficult to find, access, and maintain meaningful work, even for those with strong skills, creativity, and motivation. Many workplaces are not designed with needs like flexibility, sensory awareness, and diverse communication styles in mind.

Instead of asking individuals to fit into systems that were not designed for them, SPARKS creates a space where people can build their own path.

No Cost

A free initiative by SAAAC Autism Centre aimed to remove barriers for you and your business.

Industry Experts

Access to industry experts with dedicated 1:1 coaching sessions and classroom learning.

Learning Resources

A suite of custom-developed resources, tools + more to help you now and in the future.

How it works?

Structured to help move you and your business to the next stage no matter where you're at in your journey.

Spark

Discovery & Confidence

Find the right problem and build the confidence to solve it.

Ignite

Planning & Prototyping

Learn how to build a real business and test it with real customers.

Shine

Go to Market

Confidently launch your idea with marketing tools and learn what works.

Glow

Real-World Selling

Refine, expand, and scale your idea to unlock growth and new opportunities.

Who's it for?

A unique business development program that supports (1) Neurodivergent Individuals (2) Caregivers Supporting Loved Ones (3) Caregivers Creating Opportunities

1. Neurodivergent Individuals

Autistic individuals and neurodivergent adults (18+) who want to launch or grow a business. We provide real-world business skills and one-to-one mentorship in a supportive environment.

2. Caregivers Supporting Loved Ones

Parents and caregivers who need more flexible income from their own business while caring and supporting a loved one full-time.

3. Caregivers Creating Opportunities

Individuals who want to start their own business and use it to hire and create jobs that are inclusive. We teach skills, planning, and how to be an inclusive employer.

Not sure where you fit?

If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur and determined to start or grow a business, SPARKS is for you. Still unsure or want to learn more, let’s chat: sparks@saaac.org.

Type of businesses

The kind of ideas we've helped grow:

Tech (apps, websites, digital tools)
E-commerce (online shops and product sales)
Clothing and merchandise brands

Food businesses (baking, catering, homemade products)
Wellness and skincare products
Creative services like art commissions and design

Tell us about yours.

What you'll learn?

SPARKS is a 3-month entrepreneurship incubator designed specifically to support autistic adults and caregivers in developing their business knowledge, products, and marketing skills.

Stages

Participants are guided through:

Developing a business plan
Designing products or services
Building a social media presence
Growing your business online
Marketing tactics

Skills

Participants will be able to:

Independent learning
Creative thinking
Networking skills
Problem-solving skills
Work-ready opportunities

Application Process

Application

Applicants received until May 29 (Cohort 1)

Selections

Sharing questionnaire and shortlisting

Incubator

Partake in 12-weeks of programming and supports

Launch

Celebrate your growth and your role in the world

Real Ventures, Real Results

Check back soon to see the outcomes of our program.

Application

In our inaugural year, SAAAC SPARKS is targeting neurodivergent businesses to help scale their work and ultimately grow into a career.

Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. Spaces are limited, and we want to ensure a good fit for each participant. Spots will be filled as applications are received.

Applicants must:

Must be 18 years or older
Autistic and/or neurodivergent individual or caregiver
Motivated to start or grow a business
Able to attend sessions in-person or online

Once you submit an application, the SPARKS team will review it and contact you for an interview.

If accepted, you will receive an orientation package to get you started. Applicants will hear back regarding their application status from sparks@saaac.org.