Quarterly
Newsletter
1st April 2026
Welcome to our first newsletter introducing The Spark Crest Foundation
Welcome to the inaugural edition
of the Spark Crest Quarterly
Newsletter—a milestone that
marks the beginning of a shared
journey to uplift, equip, and
celebrate young grassroots
entrepreneurs across Nigeria. This
first issue is more than a
communication update; it is an
invitation into a movement. Spark
Crest was founded on a simple but
powerful belief: talent is universal,
but opportunity is not. Every day,
we meet young people who are
building real businesses with
courage and creativity, often with
little more than determination and
a dream. Our mission is to stand
beside them, remove barriers, and
provide the support that turns
potential into progress
As we launch this newsletter, we want to bring you closer to the heart of our work—introducing you to the founders whose resilience inspires us, the programmes shaping their growth, and the community of supporters making this mission possible.
Each quarter, we will share
stories of transformation,
updates on our initiatives, and
insights into the challenges
and opportunities facing young
entrepreneurs in the informal
and artisan sectors. We hope
these stories not only inform
you but also remind you of the
extraordinary impact that can
unfold when a spark of support
meets a determined young
mind.
Thank you for being with us at
the very beginning. Your
interest, encouragement, and
generosity help fuel a vision of
sustainable livelihoods, thriving
communities, and a future
where every young founder has
the chance to succeed.
Together, we are lighting
sparks that will grow into
ventures capable of
transforming families,
neighbourhoods, and
generations to come.
Carla Stockton-Jones
In this newsletter
you can expect:
____________________
What we do
____________________
Our Spark Lab
2026 Update
___________________
Stories of Impact
___________________
Our Fundraising
Launch
__________________
Our Mission in
Action
__________________
Our Gratitude
for your Support
Community News
Across Nigeria, thousands of young artisans,
tradespeople, and grassroots founders are
building real businesses with limited resources.
Many lack access to early-stage funding,
mentorship, digital tools, and networks—barriers
that often prevent promising ventures from
growing.
Spark Crest exists to bridge this gap by offering seed support, mentorship, capacity-building, and a pathway to scale for nontech and informalsector ventures.
Our goal is simple: ignite ventures, empower
founders, and create sustainable livelihoods—
ensuring that every young entrepreneur, no
matter their background or starting point, has
the opportunity to build a business that can
support their family, strengthen their
community, and contribute to a more resilient
local economy.
Finally, we want to remind everyone that our charity relies on the kindness and support of our community
Volunteer Spotlight
This quarter, we’re proud to celebrate
our Volunteer of the Quarter, De Ann,
for generously giving her time to
mentor our very first Spark Crest
cohort.
As a business owner, magistrate, and
passionate youth advocate, she brings
wisdom, integrity, and lived
experience that is already shaping the
confidence and direction of our young
entrepreneurs
Thank you De Ann!
We are preparing for the Spark Lab
Pilot Edition, running July–October
2026 in Lagos. This accelerator will
support youth-led ventures ready to
scale, with a strong focus on
artisans and handwork
entrepreneurs.
Meet Our Entrepreneurs
Tochukwu
Tochukwu is the founder of
T&C Autoparts specialising in
in importing and selling used
car parts.
Starting in 2022 the business has transitioned from a physical shop in Ladipo market to a digitally enabled new and used automotive parts business selling across West Africa
Chef Comfort is the founder of
FreshFoods Nigeria supplying
traditional Nigerian foodstuffs.
Chef Comfort is the founder of
FreshFoods Nigeria supplying
traditional Nigerian foodstuffs.
Irene
Irene is a young mother of two
who has a market shop in
Newhaven market, Enugu.
Initially selling only fruit, with investment from Spark Crest she has now expanded to a full range of foodstuffs and is earning a stable income and building a secure future for her children
Our 2026 Cohort
Stand with a young dreamer
today and help our next cohort
turn hope, courage, and raw
potential into a real future.
- Every contribution
supports real young
people with real ideas who
simply need someone to
believe in them. - Your support goes beyond
funding — it delivers
confidence, skills,
mentorship, and hope. - Many of the entrepreneurs
in our next cohort are
taking their very first step
toward building
something of their own. - When you support Spark
Crest, you’re not just
backing a programme —
you’re standing behind a
future founder.
Our Fundraising Launch
At Spark Crest, we believe talent is everywhere
— opportunity is not.
Right now, young entrepreneurs with big ideas
and unstoppable drive are being held back by
lack of access: to tools, mentorship, training,
and belief.
That’s the gap we exist to close.
This fundraiser is about unlocking potential.
It’s about giving our 2026 young founders the
confidence, skills, and support they need to
build businesses, create jobs, and shape their
own futures.
When you donate, you’re not just giving money,
you’re investing in ambition, fueling innovation,
and standing behind a young person brave
enough to dream bigger.
One contribution can fund training
Onne share can open a door
One act of generosity can change a life’s
direction
Stand with us. Back young entrepreneurs today:
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/carla
-stocktonjones
The Spark Crest Foundation
First City Monument Bank (FMCB
Acc: 1047204247
Thank you for reading!
THE SPARK CREST FOUNDATION
NIGERIA: +234 816 407 6131
UK: + 44 7584 613 723
7, Phillip Ezeagu Crescent, Nibo, Anambra State, Nigeria
