Elton Rivas

Each of us had an idea that we want to bring to life, but how do we identify the right time to do it? I'd argue that the element of timing is the single most important in all factors when bringing a new idea to life...

Festivals--featuring music, art, “happenings,” and world-class speakers and panels--have become a great way for startups to grab massive social and old-school media exposure, cool-kid credibility, and, increasingly, funding. But don’t expect to waltz in and start selling.

Chances are if you were asked to name U.S. cities that are considered centers of entrepreneurship and innovation, Jacksonville would not be one of them.

At the One Spark festival earlier this month, 260,000 people gave more than $360,000 in crowdfunding. Next stop: Berlin.

Working with hundreds of folks each year who have an idea that they want to build into a business, I’ve seen every kind of approach to entrepreneurship, and every type of mindset. Some view it only as a way to make fabulous money, some are passionate about their cause, others have finely-crafted 5-year plans, and others yet adhere to a “Build It and They Will Come” philosophy and don’t worry about plans. I’ve come to believe that, regardless of your approach, there is one essential… Show more

Working with hundreds of folks each year who have an idea that they want to build into a business, I’ve seen every kind of approach to entrepreneurship, and every type of mindset. Some view it only as a way to make fabulous money, some are passionate about their cause, others have finely-crafted 5-year plans, and others yet adhere to a “Build It and They Will Come” philosophy and don’t worry about plans. I’ve come to believe that, regardless of your approach, there is one essential ingredient entrepreneurs need to avoid failure... Show less

No ordinary street fair, this new generation of urban festival draws on the ideas—and donations—of internet-empowered masses to help cities shape their image.

In April, 130,000 people flocked to the first One Spark festival in downtown Jacksonville, Florida, to...

Elton Rivas, One Spark cofounder, and Peter S. Rummell, one of the festival’s major backers and immediate past chairman of ULI, offer some insights into how they created the event and how they might improve the model.

Social media marketing can rapidly enhance your brand and business. It can provide the accelerant that many contractors need to boost sales and...