Spark Bowl

Delaware Valley University's Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC), the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), and Startup Buckshosts Spark Bowl, a“shark-tank” - like competition.The event encourages entrepreneurs, innovative businesses and nonprofit organizations to address social, consumer and business-oriented challenges in and around Bucks County, with innovative problem-solving ideas to support the economic growth and prosperity of our communities.

Spark Bowl 2024 is November 21, 2024, 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Applications are due September 12!

Learn about the Competition

The Bye Bye Cry Company team members are on stage holding a check.

The Spark Bowl Student Experience

Spark Bowl is more than a competition, it's a chance for our students to gain real-world experience. Students like Evan Royer '25 and Richard Bagala '26 form connections with small businesses by being part of a student business consultant team in preparation for the Spark Bowl competition.

Spark Bowl Reception in the Life Sciences Building Atrium
2023 Spark Bowl Winners

2022 Spark Bowl Winners

Sponsorship Options

The Ignite Sponsors: The Primary Sponsors of the Spark Bowl: $10,000

  • Promoted as lead sponsors
  • Acknowledgement at event opening and audience address
  • Option to serve as presenter of awards
  • Name and logo on front cover page of the program (5w x 7.5h”)
  • Listed and linked on our Spark Bowl website
  • Lead sponsors positioning on print and digital advertising
  • Prominent reserved seating for ten at the stage event
  • Prime location of exhibit table

The Fire-Starters of Entrepreneurship: $5,000

  • Acknowledgement at event opening
  • Second position on print and digital advertising
  • Reserved seating for 6 at the Spark Bowl
  • Program ad: full page (5w x 7.5h”)
  • Listed and linked on our Spark Bowl website
  • Prime location of exhibit table

The Catalysts of Entrepreneurship: $2,500

  • Reserved seating for 4 at the Spark Bowl
  • Program ad: half page (2.5w x 3.7h”)
  • Listed and linked on our Spark Bowl website
  • Preferred location of exhibit table

The Movers and Shakers: $1,000 each

  • Reserved seating for two people at the Spark Bowl
  • Program ad: quarter page (1.25w x 1.85h”)
  • Listed and linked on our Spark Bowl website

The Innovation Sparks: $500

  • Name in program in group listing
  • Listed and linked on our Spark Bowl website

Spark Bowl Friends: $50-250

  • Name in program in group listing

Sponsors: for all inquiries please contactsparkbowl@delval.edu, or call (215) 489-4865. All checks should be made out to Delaware Valley University/Spark Bowl Address: Spark Bowl, 700 E. Butler Ave. Doylestown, PA 18901

2023 Spark Bowl Sponsors

Fire-Starters of Entrepreneurship:

Michael Araten
Sterling Drive Ventures

Susan Lonergan

William R. Schutt

Movers and Shakers:

The Haverford Trust Company

Innovation Sparks:

Lisa Banket

Dr. Tanya and Raul Casas

Dr. Benjamin Rusiloski and Erin Vogelsong

The Bucks County Herald is proud to be a media sponsor for Spark Bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Of course, you may learn from others how to prepare a better presentation for your idea.

Absolutely, the Small Business Administration has information online as does the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce and Pennsylvania State Department of Commerce.

Finalists will also have support of Student Support Teams/Advisors to help refine/clarify plans.

No, but what your business can do for Bucks County is an important criteria that will be considered.

No.

Yes and yes (as long as you meet the eligibility criteria)

Absolutely.