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Centennial outlines 2026 Spark small‑business accelerator, expands outreach and podcasting
Summary
City economic development specialist Veronica Mata told the City Council the Spark Centennial program will recruit up to 20 licensed Centennial businesses for six‑month cohorts in 2026, dedicate about 70% of program funding to participant stipends and expand outreach including a new podcast and web content.
Veronica Mata, economic development specialist for the City of Centennial, presented updates to the city’s Spark Centennial small‑business program on Feb. 3, outlining enrollment, program components and new outreach plans for 2026. "What's one project that they would love to tackle for their business but haven't because of time, budget, and resource constraints?" Mata said, explaining the program asks each participant to commit a minimum of 20 hours over six months to complete a designated project.
Mata framed Spark as a business accelerator designed to help small firms share expertise, create memorable customer experiences and collaborate with peers. She said the program has operated for six years and reported cumulative figures including more than 34 months of programming, "over $48,000" invested in the small‑business community and more than 3,300 event attendees; for 2025 specifically, staff reported eight participating businesses, roughly $3,200 invested in those participants and about 60 event attendees.
The 2026 cohort will focus on one deliverable project per business. Mata said staff intend to dedicate about 70% of the Spark budget to cohort businesses as participation and project stipends, provide one‑on‑one coaching time with staff, and produce a podcast and video content to increase exposure. Program activities described include a SENTalk (TED Talk–style presentation), customer‑experience enhancement projects (for example, lobby refreshes or interactive mobile event setups) and roundtable discussions that may be done solo or collaboratively.
On outreach, Mata said staff will place podcast episodes and clips on the Spark web page and use social media channels, including LinkedIn and Nextdoor, and will coordinate with the communications department. She told the council staff have produced a printed quick‑guide and flyer and will provide council with an elevator pitch to use while talking directly with local businesses.
During questions, Mayor Pro Tem Tharpe asked where the podcasts would appear; Mata replied they will be added to the Spark web page and shared on social channels. Council member Milton asked about alumni experiences (specifically PostNet and alum Talia Bond); Mata said alumni have returned to mentor or present and that some received Spark grants during COVID that helped businesses remain open. Council member Sheehan asked what outcomes staff track; Mata said the city has about 60 interested businesses over six years, with 10 Centennial‑based alumni who completed the program, and that staff plan to collect more revenue and outcome data in 2026 through follow‑up interviews.
Mata said eligibility for 2026 requires businesses be Centennial‑licensed and new to Spark; staff said capacity for 2026 is for 20 participants (the council packet referenced approximately 25). Applications close in February and staff will continue outreach with local radio, targeted door‑to‑door contact, newsletters and community partners.
The council praised the program and staff for ongoing outreach; Mata closed by inviting council engagement and offering to answer follow‑up questions.
Next steps: staff will continue outreach through February, finalize the 2026 cohort and report back to council with participation and measurement plans.
