The BIG Community Ideas Hackathon

The Big Community Ideas Hackathon

A one-day creative sprint where brilliant ideas meet brilliant people.
Saturday 24th January, 10am–3pm | Parkfield House, Paignton
Lunch and refreshments included.

Do you have an idea that could become a social business? Something that helps people or the planet and has the potential to sustain itself financially, but you’re not sure what the next step is?

Or perhaps you love problem-solving, offering practical support, or helping purpose-led projects take off?

Then this event is for you.

The Big Community Ideas Hackathon, hosted by Local Spark Torbay, brings together early-stage social enterprise ideas and a room full of skilled, curious, generous people who want to help them grow.
It’s a lively, collaborative workshop where ideas are explored from every angle, with structured guidance, encouragement and little sparks of inspiration.

Who should take part?

1. Idea Holders / aka “Hackees” – You might be:
   • A new or emerging social enterprise idea
   • A community-benefit idea with the potential to earn its own income
   • A solution that could help people, nature, climate, animals, wellbeing or the local economy
   • Early-stage ideas that need shaping, testing or strengthening
   • A vision that could become a sustainable social business, not a grant-dependent charity

   If your idea will benefit Torbay and you’re willing to explore it openly with others, this day is for you!
   Spaces are limited – Idea Holders need to apply via an email to jay@localsparktorbay.org

2. Collaborators aka “Hackers” – You might be:
   • A marketer, fundraiser, designer or operations specialist
   • A local business owner or professional
   • Someone with social enterprise experience
   • A community-minded problem-solver
   • Or someone who enjoys contributing ideas and helping purpose-driven projects grow

   If you enjoy working with others, meeting new people and putting your skills to good use, you’ll love this day!
   Collaborators simply register via Eventbrite.  No application needed.

The agenda:

• • Welcome & warm-up
  • Idea Holders pitch their idea in a friendly, informal way
  • Each Idea Holder gets their own space with a team of self selected Collaborators
  • Creative sessions and structured problem-solving
  • Expert facilitators throughout
  • Lunch provided for everyone
  • Final share-back: each team presents their progressed idea