The Saint Mary’s College Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI) is proud to announce the sixth session of the SPARK entrepreneurship training program and the second session of SPARK-Art program for entrepreneurial artists. SPARK is intended to assist local under-resourced, high-potential female entrepreneurs and artists to “spark” or launch successful businesses. Candidates for either program must apply in person at a mandatory 2-hour orientation and screening session at 6 p.m., Thursday, February 20 in room 145 of Spes Unica Hall.

SPARK is an 11-week session that offers a morning or evening track. Classes meet twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost of the session is $150. SPARK-Art is 12-week session that will meet on Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The cost of the session is $250.

Both SPARK and SPARK-Art are focused on helping women create a corporate identity and a business plan, implement marketing strategies and promotional materials, and learn skills in time management, bookkeeping, attaining a business loan, and general success strategies. Both programs will meet from early March to late May.

So far SPARK has led to the creation of 14 local micro businesses, including a dance studio, a yoga studio, a health and wellness spa, an import/export business, daycares, a gift basket company, a beauty shop, a concierge service, and a real estate development enterprise. Another four businesses are expected to take off soon.

Those interested in more information about being involved in SPARK as a participant, facilitator, mentor, or volunteer can email Martha Smith, WEI’s program director, at wei@saintmarys.edu or call (574) 284-5262.