If you’re interested in applying for the Spark small business grant or mortgage career training, please review the application requirements below. Please note that applications do not open until December 1, 2020, however, you can begin preparing these documents in advance.
Spark Small Business Grant Application Requirements
Please review the following list of required documents you’ll need to provide during the Spark small business grant application process.
Documents
The following documents are required for the Spark small business grant. Please ensure that all documents are available in the correct file formats listed below.
- Professional resumé in PDF or Word format.
- High-resolution headshot in JPEG or PNG format with a file size no larger than 3MB.
- Business plan for your future or current brokerage in PDF or Word format. Reference our step-by-step blog or download our business plan template.
- Estimated Profit and Loss statement for 2021 business expenses in Excel or PDF format.
References
All references will be contacted if an applicant is a finalist for consideration for the Spark small business grant. Each applicant is required to provide a total of five (5) references, as outlined below:
Two (2) Professional References:
- Example: Title company representative, contract processor, non-mortgage supervisor from a former job
- Someone who has worked with you in the last 5 years
- Not a client
Two (2) Community References:
- Example: Religious or volunteer organization leader, professor/teacher, former client, etc.
One (1) Personal Reference:
- Example: Family or friend
You will need to provide the following information for each reference:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Company
- Relationship to Applicant
Application Questionnaire
Below are examples of questions that may be included on the Spark small business grant application.
Explain why you are passionate about the mortgage industry and why you want to own your own brokerage. (150 – 200 words)
- Why is being a business owner important to you?
- How will opening your own brokerage help you grow professionally?
- Is being a business owner something you have aspired to?
Explain how receiving the Spark grant will help you start or grow your brokerage. (150 – 200 words)
- What aspects of your brokerage will benefit from the grant funding?
- Is there something you want to do but haven’t been able to because of monetary restrictions?
- Is there one or a few key things that you will use the grant towards that are essential to opening your brokerage?
Explain how you serve your community as a business owner and any specific ways you plan to help home buyers? (150 – 200 words)
- Will you host homeowner education seminars?
- Do you share home buying tips on facebook?
- Do you teach financial literacy one day a month at the community center?
- What will you do as a local mortgage professional that will make you a “Better Broker” in your community?
Spark Mortgage Career Training Application Requirements
Please review the following list of required documents you’ll need to provide during the Spark mortgage career training application process.
Documents
The following documents are required for the Spark mortgage career training application. Please ensure that all documents are available in the correct file formats listed below.
- Professional resumé in PDF or Word format.
- High-resolution headshot in JPEG or PNG format with a file size no larger than 3MB.
References
All references will be contacted if an applicant is a finalist for consideration for the Spark small business grant. Each applicant is required to provide a total of five (5) references, as outlined below:
Two (2) Professional References:
- Example: Title company representative, contract processor, non-mortgage supervisor from a former job
- Someone who has worked with you in the last 5 years
- Not a client
Two (2) Community References:
- Example: Religious or volunteer organization leader, professor/teacher, former client, etc.
One (1) Personal Reference:
- Example: Family or friend
You will need to provide the following information for each reference:
- Name
- Phone Number
- Company
- Relationship to Applicant
Application Questionnaire
Below are examples of questions that may be included on the Spark mortgage career training application.
Explain why this job growth or job opportunity would be a good fit for you as a professional. (150 – 200 words)
- Does the remote work of a contract processor role fit with your lifestyle?
- Will becoming a loan originator assistant help you enter the mortgage industry?
Explain your connection with the mortgage industry (if any) or how entering the mortgage industry would help you grow your career? (150 – 200 words)
- What about the mortgage industry appeals to you as a professional?
- Do you aspire to grow in your career in the mortgage industry?