Spark Bowl

Delaware Valley University's Small Business & Entrepreneurship Center (SBEC), the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), and Startup Bucks hosts 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. 

Save the Date

This year's Spark Bowl Competition is on November 16, 2023. 

The Spark Bowl Application will open on August 15, 2023 and close on September 15, 2023. Interested applicants should send their intent to apply to sparkbowl@delval.edu to receive any updates on the application process. Please include the name of your business in the subject line.

Check out the 2022 Spark Bowl winners.

SparkBowl presenters are on stage presenting their business.
Xenoil Logo
2021 Spark Bowl Winner Xenoil™ Recieves Major Funding from Newchip

Xenoil, a remanufacturer of plastic waste into materials and products for the manufacturing and construction industries, was accepted into Newchip’s renowned global accelerator program. The equity-free, fully digital accelerator has helped over 2,500 founders from more than 110 countries and 250 cities raised over $2.2 billion in funding with an estimated portfolio of over $9B.

Watch our recorded livestream of the 2022 Spark Bowl Competiton.

Watch on YouTube Here 

A drone shot of campus

Are you interested in helping people put their dreams into action? 

Become a Sponsor

Interested in participating? 

Email your name, contact information, and business name to sparkbowl@delval.edu.

Sponsorship Options

The Ignite Sponsor: The Primary Sponsor: $10,000

  • One only
  • Promoted as lead sponsor
  • Acknowledgement at event opening and audience address
  • 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 sponsor 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 contact sparkbowl@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

2022 Spark Bowl Sponsors

Fire-Starters of Entrepreneurship:

Michael Araten
Sterling Drive Ventures

Susan Lonergan
Fulton Bank logo

William R. Schutt

YMCA logo

Bucks and Hunterdon Counties

Katherine H. Littlefield

Byers’ Choice Ltd.

Movers and Shakers:

E.C. Bentz Electrical Contractor, Inc.

Marlene M. De la Cruz  and Lee Snyder

Volpe and Koenig, P.C.

Innovation Sparks:

Bucks Country Gardens

Happ Contractors, Inc.

Lisa Banket

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.