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  • Weekly sessions (2 hours per week)
  • Time between sessions to work on your business (with support and check-ins)
  • Coaching and feedback activities
  • A respectful, supportive group environment

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

The traditional path to employment doesn’t support most autistic adults. It’s rigid structure makes it hard to find, access, and maintain a career. Even when individuals have strong skills, creativity, and a driving motivation — the typical work environment fails to meet their needs (flexibility, sensory awarness, communication differences, etc).

Instead of asking autisitc individuals to fit into systems that weren’t designed for them — SPARKS creates a space where people can build their own.

$0

No Cost

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

10+

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 existing business to the next stage no matter where you’re at in your jouney.

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) Neurodiverse Individuals (2) Caregivers Supporting Loved Ones (3) Caregivers Creating Opportunities

1. Neurodiverse Individuals

Autistic individuals and neurodiverse 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:

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.

Your Business,
Your Way

What you'll learn?

SPARKS is a 3-month, hybrid entrepreneurship incubator designed specifically to support autistic adults (18+) and caregivers in developing their business knowledge, products, marketing skills, etc.

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

1.

Application

Applicants received until May 30
2.

Selections

Sharing questionnaire and shortlisting (June 1)
3.

Incubator

You're accepted to the program, for November 10
4.

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.

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

Once you submit an application, our team will review it and contact you for an interview. If accepted, you will receive an orientation package to get you started.

Growing a business is hard.
SPARKS makes it easier.