About Spark

The Fellow hosted many entrepreneur-focused events, and partnered with local businesses and organizations to sponsor programs such as a pitch competition, Startup MHK.

 

We got our start helping entrepreneurs start businesses.

In 2016, a Manhattan co-working space called The Fellow opened in west Manhattan, Kansas. A home to new business owners, creatives and entrepreneurs, the founders, members and partners of The Fellow recognized a need for training, community and support for new business owners and start ups.

The Fellow launched a number of community programs and events to connect and launch entrepreneurs starting a business in the Manhattan, Kansas area. As a dynamic entrepreneurship community formed, the need for a nonprofit entrepreneur support organization to serve as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs starting a business in the Greater Manhattan Kansas region became clear. 

In July 2020, Spark launched with the mission to help entrepreneurs learn how to start a business in the Manhattan, Kansas, area through education, resources and news coverage. Spark partners with a number of economic development organizations that support business launch and growth, including Kansas Small Business Development Center, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, K-State Innovation Partners, NetWork Kansas, Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation, Junction City Area Chamber of Commerce and Junction City Main Street. Our goal is to continue to build and support the the local entrepreneurial ecosystem through Spark and our dedicated partners.

 

Our Mission

We are successful when entrepreneurs are successful.

Spark is a nonprofit organization with a mission to connect, develop, and promote new business and entrepreneurship. As an entrepreneur support organization headquartered in Manhattan, Kansas, Spark’s aim is to help future entrepreneurs learn how to start a business successfully, and ultimate, foster a dynamic and inclusive culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the Greater Manhattan region.

 
 

Programs that fuel startups, talent, and growth in our city.

A big thank you to our regional sponsors and partners.

These organizations, companies and individuals believe in entrepreneurship and innovation and make our programming and impact possible.