Exactly. Unscrew the plug, make sure the end of it is clean, put the plug wire on the plug. Then hold the end against a good ground, like a cleaned part of the block or head. If it's a pull start, it's easiest to have someone else pull it while you look. The spark can be hard to see and yes shade or darkness helps. Another thing you can check is the gap on the plug. Sometimes they are sold in spec, but most of the time (IME) they are out. While you have the plug out, you can turn the engine over and sniff the air coming out of the plug hole. Should smell like gas. Once you get a spark, turn it over a bit before putting the plug back it (in case it's flooded - helps dry it out).
Most small engine problems, esp. from sitting, come from carburetors. You may want to cut to the chase and just rebuild the carb from the get go.
Find your spark - you can do it!
PS. When you hold the plug, hold the insulated part of the plug wire...