SPARK Centennial

Spark Centennial Program

Apply to Join the 2026 SPARK Centennial Cohort!

SPARK Centennial is the City of Centennial's six-month business accelerator program that provides Centennial small businesses with a platform to share their expertise, create memorable customer experiences and collaborate with fellow small businesses.  

This year's program will help businesses explore and address the question: What’s one project you’d love to tackle for your business, but haven’t been able to because of time, budget, or resource constraints? 

Together with Centennial's Economic Development Specialist, Veronica Mata, and the City of Centennial's Business Resource Partners, we will help answer that question from idea to implementation. Join us in this unique collaborative space of creativity, growth, learning and fun! 

Apply Today!

Applications are due February 28, 2026.

Benefits of Joining SPARK

  • Free to participate! 
  • Increase exposure to the community through SPARK podcast interview, City of Centennial social media platforms and SPARK newsletter.
  • Build relationships with fellow small businesses, local resources partners, community members and City of Centennial staff. 
  • Develop a program to increase engagement, enhance customer experience and define competitive advantage.
  • One-on-one development time with Centennial’s Economic Development Specialist.
  • Accountability and support to tackle a project that matters to your business.
  • Engagement with City of Centennial City Council.
  • Participation and project stipend.
  • Exclusive SPARK Centennial promotional items.

Who Can Participate

  • Centennial-based small businesses, creative professionals and entrepreneurs.
  • Committed to collaboration, learning and growth. 
  • Desires increased exposure, collaboration and customer experience enhancements.
  • Can commit a minimum 20 hours to the six-month program. 
  • New to the SPARK Centennial program. (Past participants are encouraged to connect and participate through our alumni program.)

Timeline

  • Deadline to apply is February 28, 2026.
  • Applications reviewed in March 2026.
  • Applicants will be informed of participation no later than Friday, March 27, 2026.
  • The program will run April through September 2026.
  • The 20 hour minimum will be divided as so:  
    • Development time with Economic Development Specialist: 4 hours 
    • Video podcast interview: 1 hour 
    • Project execution: 10 hours 
    • Attending SPARK events: 5 hours

FAQs

Q: How much time is required? 

A: While we ask that selected cohort participants dedicate at least 20 hours to the six-month program, we value your time and understand its importance to your business. Our goal is to eliminate unnecessary tasks and to schedule our support in a way that respects your busy schedule.

Q: Is there a cost? 

A: No, the program is funded by the City of Centennial. There is no cost to apply, participate in the cohort or attend events.

Q: What types of businesses are eligible?  

A: Any Centennial licensed small business can participate in the SPARK cohort.

Q: What if I’m not licensed or my business isn’t in Centennial? 

A: Those not licensed, but operating from a commercial or home-based location in Centennial can register for their business license here. The cost to register is $25. If your business is not in Centennial, you will not be eligible to participate in the cohort. However, you are welcome to attend any SPARK events that will be posted on the City of Centennial website. 

Contact and Support

Veronica Mata, Economic Development Specialist – Business Services spark@centennialco.gov.

Subscribe to SPARK Centennial to stay up-to-date.

Questions?

Email us at: spark@centennialco.gov

Stay Connected

Subscribe to SPARK Centennial for news and updates related to the SPARK program.

Other Information

24-Hour Citizen Response Center

303-325-8000

Related Information

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