Great businesses start with a story.

Spark Nova Scotia is here to activate early stage rural innovation where it starts.
Spark is about regular people in rural and coastal communities doing remarkable things. Many Nova Scotians have brave new business ideas and compelling stories to share. Spark wants to discover and support these early, high-potential, knowledge-based businesses, while inspiring entrepreneurial activity across the province. Winners of the competition receive up to $50,000 plus guidance from top business professionals to help turn their stories into successful enterprises.


Spark Nova Scotia 2022 is tailored for three regions — Cape Breton, NS North and NS Southwest — with three competitions running concurrently. Each region functions independently, with its own applicant pool and local judges. All applicants take advantage of the province-wide Spark Training Program together, to hone their business skills and sharpen their final submissions.
Tell the story behind your idea for a new, knowledge-based product or service.
Spark is searching for Nova Scotia’s newest innovations with high-growth potential. We love to see startups in life sciences, ag tech, clean tech and ocean tech, but we want to hear all of your stories.
Funds will be awarded for things like prototype completion and resources needed to take your product or service to market. Tell us what you need.
Timeline – Spark Nova Scotia 2022
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
Spark NS 2022 Launches
Training Registration Opens
Training
Thursday, August 18, 2022
Making Ideas Spark Workshop (Zoom) 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 24, 2022
Identifying and Managing Risks in a New Business (Zoom) 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 31, 2022
Introduction to the Business Model Canvas (Zoom) 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Finance – What Young Companies Need to Know (Zoom) 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Monday, September 12, 2022
Storytelling and Presenting (Zoom) 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Applying
Monday, September 19, 2022
Formal Application Deadline at 11:59 p.m.
Monday, September 26, 2022
Finalists Notified
Coaching
Week Of October 3, 2022
One-on-one Pitch Training
Judging
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Cape Breton Pitches and Judging
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
NS Southwest Pitches and Judging
Wednesday, October 19, 2022
NS North Pitches and Judging
Winning
Monday, October 24, 2022
Spark Winners Announced
Winners’ Workshop