Spark ‘26 Interview Questions and Answers

Hello, I’m calling on behalf of Spark ’26 — the Caribbean’s bold new conference designed for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, and workforce talent.

We’re speaking with local business owners like you to help shape an event built on real insights — not just conversation, but transformation.

Would you be willing to take 15–20 minutes to share your experience as a business owner? Your input will directly inform the design of practical, high-impact opportunities for businesses like yours.

It would be a valuable contribution — and we’d really appreciate your perspective.

Date of Interview: *

Interview Start Time: *

Business Sector (select one): *

Specific Business Type (e.g. jewelry, restaurant, electrician, etc.) : *

Business Size: *

Sole Proprietor (1-3 owners)

Small Business (1-5 employees)

Medium Business (6-25 employees)

How long have you been in business? *

PART 1: Day-to-Day Operations (3–4 min)

1. What are the three major challenges you are experiencing with your business? *

2. On a scale from 1 to 5, how challenging are the following in your business? (1 = Not at all, 5 = Extremely)

1. Tracking finances (bookkeeping, payroll, etc.) *

2. Hiring and managing staff. *

3. Using technology *

4. Using Artificial Intelligence *

5. Finding customers (sales) *

6. Working with suppliers *

7. Admin tasks (scheduling, emails, etc.) *

8. Promoting your business (marketing) *

9. Planning for growth *

Other (please specify):

3. On the same 1 to 5 scale, how helpful would training be in these areas? (1 = Not at all, 5 = Extremely).

1. Tracking finances (bookkeeping, payroll, etc.) *

2. Hiring and managing staff *

3. Using technology *

4. Using Artificial Intelligence *

5. Finding customers (sales) *

6. Working with suppliers *

7. Admin tasks (scheduling, emails, etc.) *

8. Promoting your business (marketing).. *

9. Planning for growth.

Other (please specify):

PART 2: Business Strengths & Growth (2–3 min)

4. What are the strengths of your business? Check all that apply *

5. Do you have a plan for how your business will grow or improve in the next few years? If not, what is holding you back? (Open-ended – keep brief) *

PART 3: Workforce (2–3 min)

6. Is it hard to find or keep good employees? Why or why not? What are the main challenges? (Open-ended – keep brief) *

7. What support would help with hiring, training, or managing staff? (Open-ended – keep brief) *

8. How do you build a positive workplace culture? Any tips or challenges you’ve had? (Open-ended – keep brief) *

PART 4: Technology & Digital Tools (2 min)

9a. Do you use any apps to help run your business? *

☐ Yes → Which ones?

☐ No → What’s stopped you?

9b. Answer for Yes or No *

10a. Do you use any tools to help run your business? *

☐ Yes → Which ones?

☐ No → What’s stopped you?

10b. Answer for Yes or No

11. What digital skills would you like to learn or improve?(e.g. social media, accounting tools, AI, marketing) *

PART 5: Access to Finance (2 min)

12. Have you faced challenges accessing loans, grants, or investment? What kind of financial support would be most helpful? *

Loans

Grants

Other Funding

Haven't Tried

13. What kind of financial support would help most right now? (e.g. grant writing help, loan referrals, budgeting tools) *

PART 6: Spark '26 Conference Feedback (3–4 min)

14. What would you find most useful at a business conference? (Choose top 2–3)5a. What event format and timing work best for you? *

Hands-on workshops

Expert Q&As

Networking

1-on-1 Business Advice

15a. What event format and timing work best for you? *

1-day Event

2–3 day Event

An Online/Virtual Event

15b. Preferred Time of Day: *

Daytime Event

Evening Event

15c. Preferred Days of the Week: *

Weekdays (Monday–Friday)

Weekend (Saturday/Sunday)

Either is fine

16. Would you like us to add you to the pre-registration list for Spark ‘26 so we can contact you directly when tickets are released and help you secure your spot? *

Yes

If Yes, please confirm your best email and phone number for follow-up. *

17. Would you like to be added to the Spark email list to receive our monthly newsletters for businesses and workforce talent? *

18. If there’s an opportunity to get exposure to 200–500 people at the event, would you be interested in showcasing your business? *

Yes

Depends - Tell Me More

19. Thanks so much for your time! Is there anything else you would like to share about running a business in the Caribbean? *

Interview End Time: *