Competition Requirements

In order to apply, participants are required to have:

• A developed idea, technology, product, or service that is not plagiarized or infringing upon intellectual property of others
• An interest in receiving support to develop the business and open to considering new ideas and suggestions from external advisors
• Compliance with all federal, state, and local laws/regulations
• Documented commitment to innovation in the field of art and design

Applicants must submit an online application via Submittable by the application deadline, and create their presentation with the components outlined by CCA Sparks and California College of the Arts.

The Project, Product, or Service submitted in the application and final Business Plan must be the Individual or Team’s original idea. Replication or unoriginal business plan/submission/proposals will not be accepted and/or reviewed. All entries must be submitted in the English language. The business plan/concepts/proposals submitted at the beginning must be the business plan/concept/proposal refined/resubmitted throughout the program. Students must remain committed to developing the initial concept submitted in the online application.

CCA Sparks competition is a three-round process. Round 1 consists of Individuals and/or Teams submitting Application requirements as described below. Rounds 2 and 3 are described further below.

In order to compete in the Final Pitch Event, interested parties must submit an online application, requested supporting documents, and attend the CCA Sparks Practice Pitch Event, and be selected as a Finalist. Not participating in the aforementioned events will result in disqualifications for competing in the final round for prizes or awards. Virtual or proxy individual and/or team member participation is not allowed or permitted. In order for teams to compete, 50% of the team must participate in all of the required events and process. Individuals participants must participate in 100% of the required events or processes.

Application

Students will apply to participate in CCA Sparks by submitting materials by the February 26th, 2021 application deadline [application deadline EXTENDED through March 2nd, 2021]. Apply here via Submittable.

Arts Accelerator Workshops

Applicants, if accepted into the CCA Sparks program, will be expected to participate in a series of Arts Accelerator Workshops, hosted by Intersection for the Arts. These will be delivered by synchronously and asynchronously. Individual applicants are encouraged to attend/participate in both trainings. Team applicants are encouraged to have at least 50% of team members present, in each of the three trainings. Individuals and teams will also be encouraged to meet individually with mentors to prepare for the Practice Pitch and Final Pitch Events. See Important Dates.

"Practice Pitch"

Eligible participants will submit a business plan in advance of the “Practice Pitch” event. This event will take place on Friday, April 16th, 2021 over Zoom. A panel of judges will determine the Individual and Team Finalists eligible to compete in the Final Pitch Event. The “Practice Pitch” will give CCA Sparks participants an opportunity to gain valuable feedback on their business plans and pitches. There is no live audience component for the "Practice Pitch." The “Practice Pitch” will serve as a qualifying round for the Final Pitch Event. Selected finalists will move on to the final round and compete during the live pitch event. Participation in the “Practice Pitch” is required to move on to the final round.

Final Pitch Event

Selected Finalists will submit required materials in advance of the final round. They will then present LIVE during the Final Pitch event on Friday, April 30th over Zoom, in front of a panel of external judges. This event is open to the CCA community to attend, and is the final round of competition. Winners will be announced at the conclusion of the final day of judging at the awards reception.