The Dream Spark Initiative Fund
We spark the talent that builds the future
Supporting resilient young entrepreneurs in the Tri-Cities to dream boldly, act decisively, and create lasting community impact.
The origins
How a Wild Idea Became a Real Force for Good
“It started as an absurd pipe dream...”
It began with a bold vision on a “painted picture” vision board — a foundation to help young entrepreneurs turn ambition into action. Even when it felt impossible, that idea endured. With the support of partners and family, The Dream Spark Initiative Fund was born — established by Ted Lau and Marisa Woo for young people under 30 who are ready to build something bigger than themselves.
What the fund stands for
The Dream Spark Initiative Fund, established by Ted Lau and Marisa Woo, seeks to uplift the next generation of leaders by backing ventures that champion entrepreneurship, education, financial literacy, and cultural growth. Rooted in the spirit of community that supported their own journey, this fund reflects their commitment to giving back to the place that helped them thrive as a business and family. The fund is meant to equip young people with essential tools and resources to dream fearlessly, act decisively, and spark positive change.
By concentrating on these pivotal areas, Ted and Marisa aspire to motivate individuals who have faced financial, social, mental, cultural, or other personal barriers to build a better future for themselves, their family, and their community.
The Coquitlam Foundation
The Dream Spark Initiative Fund is administered through the Coquitlam Foundation. Donations grow an endowment that supports bursaries for eligible students and community grants for qualifying local initiatives, guided by the mission and eligibility described on this page.
The Coquitlam Foundation envisions a community where quality of life is enhanced by residents and organizations creating lasting legacies by contributing to endowment funds that benefit a broad range of eligible organizations.
We help young entrepreneurs turn bold ideas into real opportunities.
The fund concentrates on entrepreneurship, education, financial literacy, and cultural growth, and backs young people through practical support such as seed funding, mentorship, and broader exposure.
We provide seed funding at the moment it matters most — helping young entrepreneurs take their first real step from idea to execution.
Entrepreneurs receive mentorship from experienced professionals, gaining practical insight, strategic direction, and the confidence to move forward.
We help young founders gain exposure within creative and professional networks — creating opportunities that extend far beyond initial funding.
Supported community grant initiatives include entrepreneurship projects such as business plan competitions and startup incubators; financial literacy initiatives that teach financial management and wealth building; and cultural projects that foster creativity and community expression through arts programs, cultural events, and storytelling initiatives.
Applications for community grants will be evaluated based on alignment with the fund’s mission, community impact, feasibility, and sustainability, with preference given to innovative and engaging initiatives with clear success metrics. The fund offers various levels of support, from seed funding for small projects to larger grants for more extensive initiatives, depending on the project’s scope and potential impact.
By focusing on these key areas and supporting eligible initiatives, the Dream Spark Initiative Fund aims to create a future where more people have the spark, skills, and support to dream forward and contribute to the prosperity of their communities.
Your support creates real opportunity.
Every contribution helps grow the fund toward Ted and Marisa’s next big goal: building a $100,000 source of support for young dreamers in the Tri-Cities — advancing the spark, skills, and backing that help people dream forward and strengthen their communities.
