Spark Thomasville Marks Entrepreneurial Achievements at 2025 Ceremony

On November 25, 2025, Spark Thomasville celebrated significant milestones with a vibrant event recognizing the graduation of the Fall 2025 Signature Entrepreneur Training Program and the impressive performances in the 2025 Spark Tank Pitch Competition. The occasion highlighted Thomasville’s dedication to fostering opportunities for local entrepreneurs and enhancing economic mobility within the community.

Celebrating Community and Innovation

Themed “From Dreams to Reality,” the event kicked off with an Entrepreneur Expo, where participants showcased their products and services to an enthusiastic audience. This platform facilitated networking and encouraged community support for local businesses.

A heartfelt dedication led by Pastor Israel Blake honored the legacy of founding Board Member Nathaniel Abrams, Jr. and celebrated entrepreneurs Kentrella Shoats and Chynekqua Lott. Their contributions continue to inspire Spark’s mission. Board Member Jay Flowers emphasized the importance of investing in underestimated entrepreneurs, sharing his own experiences of starting from scratch. “This community is behind all of our entrepreneurs as you go,” he stated, urging attendees to lean into the support available.

Showcasing Entrepreneurial Talent

After weeks of preparation, the entrepreneurs delivered compelling pitches on the Spark Tank stage. Their success is attributed to the training and coaching provided by Spark, along with access to affordable capital through the Spark Alumni Loan Fund, serviced by InvestTVL and underwritten by Albany Community Together (ACT).

Judging the pitches, ACT Founder and Executive Director Dr. Thelma Johnson praised the cohort’s readiness for business. “Spark’s entrepreneurs are extraordinary,” she remarked. “Several are truly finance-ready, and all demonstrated a strong grasp of their numbers and business goals.”

Special awards were given to standout entrepreneurs: Marcus Paytee Jr. of Power 4 Ease Electric received the Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Cohort award, DeBorah Warren of Care-Apy Coaching & Events was honored with the Spirit of Community & Mentorship Award, and Candiece Jackson of Candy’s World Hair & Nail Salon won the Resilience in Entrepreneurship Award.

Graduate Anthony Rauls reflected on the impact of the program, stating, “My experience in the Spark cohort was truly impactful. It helped me grow as a business owner and tighten up my systems.” He expressed gratitude for the skills and confidence he gained through the Spark Tank experience.

Executive Director DeShay Williams expressed her appreciation for the community’s support, noting the significant growth Spark has experienced. “From 2019 to 2024, the community helped Spark graduate 70 entrepreneurs. In 2025 alone, we graduated another 70. One year equaled the impact of the previous five years combined,” she stated, emphasizing that this growth represents a community breakthrough.

Williams indicated that 2025’s success was bolstered by five targeted cohorts designed to meet the diverse needs of entrepreneurs. These included the Business Finance Essentials Series, Tax Preparation Assistance, Construction Cohort, Childcare Provider Business Training, and the Signature 12-Week Program. “This represents all of us — entrepreneurs, coaches, partners, and community members — linked together, building bridges so dreams can become reality,” she concluded, highlighting the collaborative spirit that drives Spark’s mission.