Our Graduates
Meet the hardworking entrepreneurs who are transforming Thomasville through their vision, determination, and business acumen. These leaders have completed our rigorous training program, working alongside trusted coaches to build businesses that create jobs, generate tax revenue, and build generational wealth in neighborhoods rich in culture and community.
Each graduate represents what's strong in Thomasville.
Through education, coaching, and access to capital, they're creating economic viability while proving that supporting underestimated entrepreneurs is how we love our neighbors.
Diangela Byrd
SUBconscious Education Placement
Diangela’s solution ensures that when emergencies arise in daycare, friendly, qualified professionals are readily available to step in, maintaining both safety and educational standards.
Jasmine Calhoun
The Diverse Pour
Jasmine Calhoun curates The Diverse Pour, an experience that combines wine tasting with cultural appreciation. Her events are known for their inclusivity and celebration of diversity.
Tequesta Diggs
Sashay All Day
Tequesta Diggs owns Sashay All Day, an online boutique offering fashionable apparel and accessories. Her brand is celebrated for empowering individuals through style.
Jennifer Dyson
Unlimited & Beyond Catering
Jennifer Dyson operates Unlimited & Beyond Catering, offering a diverse menu that caters to various events. Her artistic and culinary skills, along with her commitment to quality make her services stand out in the catering industry.
Confident Entrepreneurs- Making Their Dreams a Reality
Investing in Entrepreneurs, Building Community, and Enhancing Economic Vitality
Meet Spark Entrepreneur Jennifer Dyson, Owner of Unlimited and Beyond Catering (UBC).
Confident Entrepreneurs- Making Their Dreams a Reality
Investing in Entrepreneurs, Building Community, and Enhancing Economic Vitality
Meet Spark Entrepreneur
Venesia Calhoun, Owner of Comfort Creek Adult Care
Confident Entrepreneurs- Making Their Dreams a Reality
Investing in Entrepreneurs, Building Community, and Enhancing Economic Vitality
Confident Entrepreneurs- Making Their Dreams a Reality
Investing in Entrepreneurs, Building Community, and Enhancing Economic Vitality
Meet Spark Entrepreneur Diangela Byrd, Owner Higher Heights
Confident Entrepreneurs- Making Their Dreams a Reality
Investing in Entrepreneurs, Building Community, and Enhancing Economic Vitality
Meet Spark Entrepreneur Angela Murphy, Owner Global Consulting Alliance
SPARK Thomasville
A Business Incubator for Underestimated Entrepreneurs
Training
Coaching
Funding
12-Week Entrepreneur Training Program, Teen Entrepreneurship Program, Workshops, Seminars, and Events
Insight, guidance and support to entrepreneurs from trusted Thomasville business leaders and coaches
Access to loan funding and technical support through the Community Development Loan Fund for Thomasville
Empowering Entrepreneurs In Thomasville, Georgia
What Happens When Underestimated-Underserved Entrepreneurs Don't Get the Help They Need?
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Aspiring business leaders continue to grapple with insecurity
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The issues their businesses address remains unresolved
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Generational wealth is not created
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Cycles of generational poverty persist
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Tax revenues are not generated
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Money that could stay in Thomasville leaves
The Thomasville community as a whole suffers when underestimated and underserved entrepreneurs don't realize and maximize their impact. Spark Thomasville offers education, resources and support to assist entrepreneurs realize their vision.
Having received a trusted network of advisors, friendships, enhanced decision-making abilities, and strategies, Climmie and Ashley are inspiring others. Not only have they provided better opportunities for themselves and their family, they also provide jobs for the community. Their story proves that the world is full of possibilities for "underestimated."
Climmie & Ashley's Spark Story
Climmies H&M Bar-B-Que & Soul Food
Spark Alumni Vivian Moore Owner, Vegan Delights with Spark Coach and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Andrea Collins
Jenna's story
1. Fill out the interest form.
2. Schedule a time to meet with Executive Director, DeShay Williams.
3. Be confident and get ready to make your business dream a reality!
How Do I Get Started as an Entrepreneur?
SPARK Thomasville
Minority Entrepreneurs Face Significantly More Barriers
Minority business start-ups often encounter a range of challenges that can hinder their growth and success. Spark addresses these challenges through a collective community effort to promote business education, coaching and funding.
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Limited access to capital
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Limited networking opportunities
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Education and skill gaps
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Lack of supportive ecosystem
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Lack of role models and mentors
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Discrimination and bias
Empowering Underestiimated Entrepreneurs
Spark Thomasville In Numbers
Since 2019...
1700+
Entrepreneur classroom training hours completed
2000+
Volunteer hours completed (board, speakers, coaches, and judges)
92
Donor partners
$5.5M
Revenue generated from entrepreneurs
Empower Underestimated Entrepreneurs
Get Personal Updates Weekly From DeShay Williams In Your Inbox
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Lisa Gardner
Fire N Ice
Lisa Gardner's service includes mobile hookah experiences, custom non-nicotine flavors, adult frozen drinks, premium cigars, themed event packages, and expert setup and guidance.
Lauren Gouldbourn & Natasha Jones
Salon Suites on Broad
Lauren Gouldbourn and Natasha Jones co-founded Salon Suites on Broad, located in the Business Exchange, providing professional salon spaces for beauty entrepreneurs. Their facility fosters a collaborative and supportive environment for both stylist and patrons alike.
Nyhema Hicks
Early Learning Academy
Nyhema Hicks owns Early Learning Academy, a center dedicated to providing quality early childhood education. The academy focuses on nurturing young minds through structured learning and play.
Payge Knuckles
Color Me Paige
Paige Knuckles' expertise in acrylic, natural nails, pedicures, and toe services has earned her a loyal clientele.
Shaunta Lamons
Tae’s Unique Designs
Shaunta Lamons is the creative mind behind Tae’s Unique Designs, specializing in children’s clothing and accessories.
Vivian Moore
Vegan Devine
Vivian Moore's Vegan Devine offers plant-based culinary delights, aiming to make vegan food accessible and delicious. Her creations are celebrated for their flavor and creativity.
Angela Murphy
Global Consulting Alliance
Angela Murphy spearheads an approach to help nonprofits and faith-based organizations maximize their impact through better technology.
Sybol Rembert
Top Notch Training Institute
Sybol Rembert founded Top Notch Training Institute to offer vocational training and skill development programs for cosmetology students. Her institute aims to equip individuals with the tools needed for accreditation and career advancement.
Rickela Reynolds
Rickela Does Film
Rickela Reynolds helps her clients connect with their customers through authentic, story-focused film and video content.
Ordette Thomas
Turquoise Sparkle
Ordette Thomas is the creative force behind Turquoise Sparkle, a business specializing in handmade jewelry and personalized gifts. Her products are known for their unique designs and attention to detail.
Launching Soon...
Venesia Calhoun
Comfort Creeks Adult Care Facility
Venesia Calhoun operates Comfort Creeks Adult Care Facility, providing compassionate care and a nurturing environment for older adults. Her facility emphasizes dignity and respect for all residents.
Tammy Griggs
Griggs Transportation Services
Tammy Griggs leads Griggs Transportation Services, offering reliable and efficient medical transport solutions. Her company is known for its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.