• Spark - Richmond & Wandsworth

The Spark you need to grow your sustainable startup.

If you’re working on a business with the potential to move the dial on climate change, whether it is energy️, waste, water, behaviour change, or something else, we’re here to support you in realising your ambitions for your business.

The Spark programme, helps early-stage climate startups in the London Boroughs of Richmond or Wandsworth develop sustainable innovations, products or concepts to prepare for market entry.

With decades of collective experience as climate tech founders and advisors, our team has guided hundreds of businesses from startup to scale-up. Applications are now open for a cohort of 10 climate startups ready to make an impact.

Business Support Includes:

  • Spark Platform

    5 core topics and 20+ modules to kick-start your business journey

  • 1:1 Expert Support

    1 hour tailored to your business on a topic of your choice

  • Drop-in Clinics

    Two 1 hour group sessions to discuss the key topics of interest

To be eligible, you will be:

  • Based in the London Boroughs of Richmond or Wandsworth

  • Registered at Companies House

  • Have a business or innovation that has sustainability or climate at its core

  • Are looking to develop your idea, product or concept to prepare for market entry

  • Have not raised funds from institutional investors

Spark by Sustainable Ventures 

The Spark programme provides access to an online library of industry-leading venture development tools, and the chance to connect with other climate entrepreneurs and Sustainable Ventures’ innovation experts.

You’ll receive 3 months of full access to a library of tried-and-tested tools, templates, and webinars, combining the expertise and knowledge gathered supporting over 500 climate start-ups.

The curriculum covers 5 key business development topics: Problem-solution fit, Finance, Fundraising, Market and marketing, and Operations.

Discover 20+ in-depth modules including videos, articles, further reading, and downloadable templates, to help accelerate your business growth and prepare for market entry.

You will also receive:

1 hour of 1:1 support with one of Sustainable Ventures’ in-house advisors on the topic of your choice to accelerate your learning.

Two 1 hour drop-in clinics with other startups on the programme led by Sustainable Ventures’ experts to discuss the key topics explored on the platform

Invitation to a networking event at the end of the programme to build connections, share knowledge, and learn from your peers.

  • “We highly recommend Spark to any startup or pre-startup! You will gain valuable insights into all the key areas that will help your business prepare for success.”

    NappEco Ltd

  • “The support is amazing! I would highly recommend the course."

    Nouvak Technologies Ltd

  • “Spark will help you answer questions to get your business off the ground.”

    Outbox Storage Ltd.

FAQs

 

  • Submit an Expression of Interest form via the ‘Apply now’ buttons on this page. Select the application form for either Richmond or Wandsworth, depending on the London Borough you are based.

    Following your online application, the Sustainable Ventures team will be in touch to learn more about your business and the support you are looking for to reach your next milestone. Our team will assess your eligibility and discuss how we can best support you before confirming your place on the programme.

  • Yes charities, not for profits and CICs are eligible for the programme. However, please note that the curriculum is designed for commercial enterprises and therefore some of the topics might not be tailored specifically to your needs.

  • This programme is tailored for pre-seed startups laying the foundation of their business. However, early seed-stage startups are welcome to apply and will be considered.

  • The programme is due to begin in February 2025 and run for 3-months.

  • The Spark platform is hosted on Notion. You’ll be asked to set up a free Notion account and receive an invitation to join the Spark platform. Our team will be on hand to help you navigate the platform and troubleshoot any minor issues that might arise along the way to make sure you get the most out of the platform and programme. 

  • You’ll receive three months of full access to the Spark platform. In addition, each startup will be entitled to 1 hour of 1:1 support with one of Sustainable Ventures’ in-house advisors on the topic of their choice, as well as two one-hour group drop-in sessions with an expert to discuss the key topics explored on the platform. Startups will be invited to a networking event at the end of the programme to allow all the participants to meet and connect.

  • There is no cost associated with participation. Richmond and Wandsworth Councils fully fund the programme at no expense to the startup. 

  • Feel free to contact stuart.duncan@sustainableventures.co.uk with any questions.