JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville's annual crowdfunding festival will be held over the course of two days and feature new events.
One Spark 2016 will be held from April 6 to 7 and include Spark Walk and Creator Innovation Day.
One Spark organizers said Spark Walk on April 6 will combine the art and energy of Jacksonville’s monthly Art Walk event with a one-day One Spark Creator Showcase.
The day-long public event will span 15 blocks with a Creator Showcase running from Adams Street down Laura Street to the Jacksonville Landing.
Art Walk artists and performers will be in and around Hemming Park and throughout downtown businesses.
Creators are encouraged to crowdfund on individual platforms, sell approved merchandise and collect donations
Spark Walk will also feature two music stages and a food truck village.
Creator Innovation Day will be held April 7 at Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront.
The daylong program aimed at helping entrepreneurs build, manage and lead their businesses will include expert presentations, panels and breakout sessions.
Pre-selected creators will also be invited to participate in One Spark Venture Spark Tank on April 7.
The private event will allow creators to pitch their ideas in front of capital and angel investors for validation, feedback and guidance.
The top creator may receive a One Spark Ventures seat in the upcoming PS27 Ventures Academy/Accelerator Program.
Creators should visit OneSpark.com no later than Feb. 29 to apply to share their ideas at the April 6 Spark Walk.
Former One Spark creator Jeff Charette said the changes to One Spark reflect feedback many creators shared after past festivals.
Charette said the biggest takeaway from One Spark was market validation, and Spark Walk will provide Creators an opportunity to test the waters with their own ideas.
One Spark Ventures and One Spark, Inc. aim to develop a long-term plan that will include both year-round activities and an annual spring festival.
They plan to host a strategic planning session immediately following the 2016 event and present the plan to the community this summer.
Cox Media Group
