Supporters of community development, small businesses and healthy families are invited to activities by the Center for Community Transformation at Fresno Pacific University.
During March and April, the CCT will sponsor a trio of public events:
Spark Tank Pitch Fest
Come watch the Spark Tank Pitch Fest and encourage local entrepreneurs. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, in BC Lounge in North Hall on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno.
Since 2013 the Spark Tank Social Enterprise Pitch Fest has invested more than $100,000 and helped catalyze more than 50 social businesses solving community problems in Fresno. Spark Tank is the Valley’s only social enterprise pitch fest, boasting a start-up success rate double the national average.
In addition to providing a product or service at a profit as conventional businesses do, eligible enterprises must have a strategic social impact goal that can be measured and managed and a plan to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.
Social entrepreneurs will present concepts to a panel of judges and compete for valuable resources and mentorship opportunities. Tickets are free but seating is limited, so reserve your spot at Spark Tank Pitch Fest Tickets, Thu, Mar 21, 2024 at 1:30 PM | Eventbrite
Small Business LaunchPad
Small Business LaunchPad provides the tools to turn an idea into a new business or improve an existing business. This eight-week class will help entrepreneurs, or those who want to become entrepreneurs, clarify and set a clear trajectory for their product or service. LaunchPad provides direction, instruction and coaching. CCT has helped over 100 businesses in the last year to start in Central California. Sessions will be on Zoom once a week from 6:00-8:00 p.m., April 2-May 21. Participants will also have the option to receive individual business coaching in person or via Zoom. Sign up atLaunchPad - Cohort 11 Tickets, Tue, Apr 2, 2024 at 6:00 PM | Eventbrite
New Skills for a New Era: Spring Training
“Addressing Domestic Violence: What can the church do to support others?”
CCT’s New Skills for a New Era training series invites pastors and lay leaders to a workshop on helping people and families overcome the tragedy of domestic violence. With Fresno’s Marjoree Mason Center reporting over 8,000 domestic violence incidents in the Central Valley by agencies in 2023, it is clear the pain continues. Faith leaders often note they do not feel fully equipped to support the survivors. This informative workshop and lunch will examine the church's response and responsibility to serve the need. Sign up atNew Skills for a New Era: Spring Training Tickets, Thu, Apr 4, 2024 at 10:00 PM | Eventbrite
The Center for Community Transformation connects the strengths of FPU with the resources of the region to transform cities. Part of the Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, CCT supports entrepreneurial creativity, spiritual freedom, economic vitality and justice, environmental integrity, cross-cultural/social collaboration and political health in the Central Valley.
PHOTO: Three representatives from Inclusion Learning Center show off their $12,000 prize at the 2023 Spark Tank Pitch Fest. With them at left is Carlos Huerta, executive director of the CCT. (FPU photo)