What’s a SPARK and is there free parking?

SPARK launched a year and a half ago, igniting (if you will) entrepreneurs across the nation to come together and help one another build better freelance lives.

24 cities, 100+ volunteers, 289 meetings, and 8k participants later, SPARK helps freelancers improve their client communications, plan for quarterly tax filing, create rock-solid contracts, and more!

Haven’t attended a SPARK yet? Still wondering just what happens at an event? Answers to all the top questions we receive about SPARK are below.

How is Spark different from other networking events or meetups?

Attend a SPARK and you’ll find a laid-back, diverse group of freelancers gathered on couches or around a few tables, networking and discussing a specific topic related to entrepreneurship. One month, we might workshop “How to deliver a pitch that speaks your client’s language” and the next, “How to build a client pipeline that pays.”

When you RSVP to attend a SPARK in your area, you’ll learn what’s being discussed that month and where the group is meeting (location is usually the same).

Why do people attend? Is it for new or experienced freelancers?

New or experienced, everyone needs support and helpful advice! Freelancers join SPARK to network, build teams, learn from others who have experience, and get a refresh on various best business practices.

Who leads the networking and conversation?

SPARK exists thanks to volunteer member-leaders who believe in our mantra, “it takes a community to achieve independence.” SPARK leaders are dedicated to empowering freelancers and helping them achieve success.

At SPARK, leaders facilitate the event by engaging attendees around the topic. They help drive conversation, and offer advice and feedback. Sometimes they bring in an expert to help, but most of the time they’re working hard to make sure you have the opportunity to meet new people and learn new things.

So it’s a networking event? Educational workshop? More like a book club? Group therapy? Mastermind?
Yes to all of the above! Freelancers Union hears from members on a daily basis, and after taking a hard look at their greatest needs, we shaped SPARK to be unlike anything out there-- a networking group that supports deep connections, and gives you something tangible to walk away with.

(Of course, we’d love to see you come back.)

Will SPARK be recorded? Can I get a copy?

Because Spark is networking and conversation-based, we don’t record events. It’s really more of a ya’-had-to-be-there-to-see-it kind of thing. Luckily, SPARKS meet on the first Wednesday of every month, so if you missed a meetup, you can always return.

Is there free parking?

This is our favorite question, because no-one at Freelancers Union HQ in Brooklyn has driven a car in 100 years. For questions about parking, or how to access your local SPARK event, please get in touch with your local team of leaders via your city’s RSVP page!