we put ideas to work.
about us
a wave of innovation.
Since 2017, SPARK Hollywood, FL has brought a fresh wave of innovation to the city’s growing business community through dynamic programming and events.
In 2019, SPARK expanded its offerings with the launch of the SPARK Speaker Series. From 2021 through 2025, the team further evolved with SPARK Launch—an innovative event designed to ignite new ideas, connect entrepreneurs to resources, and attract emerging ventures.
For 2026, SPARK Hollywood, FL will host Hollywood’s premier pitch competition for its 10th year.
VALUES
SPARK creates opportunities for entrepreneurs, cultivating a community around innovation & entrepreneurship, providing access to valuable resources, and bridging the gap between investors, businesses, sponsors and founders based in our value pillars:
innovation
Promote innovation by elevating new ideas and inventions through engagement with local investors and business leaders in Hollywood, FL.
opportunities
Provide early-stage entrepreneurs with opportunities to learn about and access resources available in the City of Hollywood and throughout South Florida.
growth
Foster lasting connections and mentorship among entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders to support long-term business success, & economic growth.
where ideas meet innovation.
SPARK Hollywood, FL has offered more than 100 entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their ventures to community judges, and awarded more than $41,000 in cash and in-kind prizes to spark businesses since 2017.
frequently asked questions.
Here are some common questions. We have answers.
Beyond the chance to win up to $5,000 + in-kind prize value, pitching at SPARK Hollywood, FL puts your venture in front of a highly engaged audience of business leaders and supporters. Gain valuable exposure, generate referrals and leads, and build impactful connections.
There are no “typical applicants” - entrepreneurs and ideas come from every walk of life, every industry sector, and every age group. Contestants can be individuals or a team developing an idea. Some entrepreneurs may have a new business which is already marketing and selling while others may only have a business concept and are working to get to market.
Ideas and innovative products may be at any stage of development from creation of concept to a finished product or business.
Selected contestants will have the opportunity to give a 3-minute presentation of their innovative idea/business to a panel of judges comprised of local community leaders, investors and professionals. The judges will select the contestants whose ideas will be awarded first, second, and third place prizes based on a variety of criteria.
Our SPARK Hollywood, FL Team will review all applicants and contact selected applicants. Selected applicants must be available/required to participate at every stage of the competition (see below).
Contestant Call-Back | April 20, 2026 (Virtual)
Contestant Prep I | April 27, 2026 (Virtual)
Contestant Prep II | May 11, 2026 (Virtual)
Run-Through + Rehearsal | May 20, 2026 (In-Person)
SPARK Pitch Competition | May 28, 2026 (In-Person)
through the years.
2025
Keynote Speaker: Von Freemen
Producer: Audacy Media
Emcee: Julie Guy, 101.5 LITE FM
Contestants:
Bone Appétit
ChargeBay
DETECHT
Follow-Up Now!
Teachers Craft - CDS
2024
Keynote Speaker: Robert Petrosino, PeakActivity
Emcee: Joann Hussey, City of Hollywood
Contestants:
A.D.A. - Aquatic Danger Assistant
Attendance Genius
BeyondSight
Gheorg
Lien Library Inc.
2023
Judges
Sandy-Michael McDonald, Broward OESBD
John Wensveen, Nova Southeastern University
Alberto Mujica, Esq, ScaleUp Legal
Andrew Zullo, Leadership Broward Foundation
Featured Speaker
Jazzmen Johns x Snapper Mike's Fresh Catch LLC
Finalists
AudiSee Navigation
Emergency App
NEMT-Five Star Medical Transport
Progression's U STEAM Academy
Vegallia - Gelato Made Consciously
HOLLYWOOD'S PREMIERE PITCH COMPETITION.
SPARK Hollywood, FL has brought a fresh wave of innovation to our burgeoning business community since 2017.