Kréyol founder Joelle Fontaine talks about how her company is empowering women not only with the clothing it sells but also by acting as a selling platform.
How We Work with Entrepreneurs and Their Communities
BCG Spark is built on a simple idea: connecting BCG staff and experts with a diverse group of innovative entrepreneurs to help them unlock their companies’ full potential, while at the same time supporting our local communities. Over several months, BCG provides participating companies with direct consulting to zero in on core business opportunities and challenges, accelerate their growth, and deepen their impact. We then activate an ecosystem of corporate partners, educational institutions, and nonprofits that help these businesses sustain their growth over the long term.
For each project, BCG Spark works with the business owner to deliver a variety of benefits, including consulting support, access to BCG’s experts and partners, one-on-one business coaching, leadership advice, and panel sessions on topics such as sales, marketing, and operations.
Three Categories of Support from BCG Spark
- Traditional Consulting. BCG Spark brings direct pro bono consulting support to entrepreneurs, working with the help of more than 2,00 BCG volunteers across the US.
- Mentorship. BCG Spark also fosters a culture of mentorship within BCG, offering advice to founders and those interested in engaging more with the entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- General Education and Networking. BCG Spark builds educational tools and playbooks aimed at helping entrepreneurs succeed—and it shares best practices alongside other corporate and nonprofit partners. We also provide a community and network for participating Spark companies, allowing them to trade insights and connect with both our partners and each other.
Our Clients’ Impact
Since the start of the program in 2016, BCG Spark has supported over 175 companies. The program has worked with businesses that have raised more than $600 million in funding and generated over $100 million in additional revenue, leading to thousands of jobs being created.
Working with BCG Spark not only provided us with tangible resources to scale, but it almost felt like ‘business therapy’ where you can share your thoughts and feelings as a startup founder. This was an incredible experience and highly recommended for anyone looking to solve complex business problems.
—Kwame Molden, Springbreak Watches
The BCG Spark program was an outstanding experience! Having the opportunity to network with executives from BCG and other companies was extremely beneficial. Our company garnered valuable business resources, expertise, and professional support that has allowed us to overcome challenges, as well as achieve significant growth.
—Montee Holland, Tayion Collection
The following are real-world examples of businesses supported by BCG Spark:
Video
June 12, 2023
Kréyol: A Company That’s Truly for Women by Women
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June 12, 2023
CERO Is Turning Food Waste into Resources to Benefit Local Communities
Josefina Luna reveals how CERO is transforming commercial food waste into valuable compost for urban farms while creating jobs for Boston’s underserved community.
Video
June 12, 2023
This Minority-Owned Business Is Revolutionizing the Electric Bicycle Industry
The 1854 Cycling Company is creating a replicable model for how to advance the electric bicycle industry into new frontiers and applications for both the public and private sector.
Video
June 12, 2023
Fresh Food Generation Believes Locally Grown Food Tastes Better
Founder Cassandria Campbell is proud of how Fresh Food Generation is bringing healthy, affordable, cooked food that’s grown locally to Boston’s low-income neighborhoods.
Video
June 12, 2023
Zainab Sumu Primitive Modern Uses Fashion to Tell the Untold Stories of Africa
Zainab Sumu Primitive Modern’s founder reveals how she uses textile prints and artwork to highlight the culture, wealth, and beauty of Africa—and showcase how interconnected its people are.
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June 12, 2023
For Blue Hills Therapeutics, Health Care Does Not Discriminate
Otto Dunker, founder of Blue Hills Therapeutics, talks about his passion for making sure everyone has access to high-quality, professional home care.
Meet Our BCG Spark Leaders
BCG Spark leaders have expertise in growth and scaling for MSMEs, including minority- and women-owned businesses. As BCG Spark leaders, they are committed to fueling the growth of small businesses and local communities through entrepreneurship.
