2026 COHORT & WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Spark Thomasville is a donor-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping underestimated entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses. From teens to adults, we provide high-quality training, one-on-one coaching, and access to critical resources—meeting entrepreneurs where they are and supporting them at every stage of their journey.
SPARK THOMASVILLE | 2026 PROGRAM OVERVIEW
In 2026, Spark Thomasville will deliver a comprehensive, year-round entrepreneurial support ecosystem serving aspiring, early-stage, and growth-oriented entrepreneurs.
Key program pillars include:
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Individualized coaching through open-access one-on-one training
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Sector-specific cohorts, including childcare and food-based businesses
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CEO Success Summits focused on leadership, planning, and funding readiness
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A 12-week Signature Training Program with weekly coaching and capital pathways
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Ongoing alumni engagement emphasizing accountability, financial stability, and mental health sustainability
This integrated model strengthens business viability, promotes job creation, and advances long-term economic stability for underestimated entrepreneurs while aligning with sustainability, capacity-building, and community wealth creation goals.
DeShay Williams, Executive Director
ONGOING ONE-ON-ONE ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING
Start Times: Open | By Appointment
Spark Thomasville offers individualized, one-on-one business support for aspiring entrepreneurs and program graduates at any stage of development. Whether refining an idea, stabilizing operations, or preparing for growth, entrepreneurs receive tailored guidance aligned with their goals and capacity.
Support includes: business plan development and refinement; budgeting, cash flow, and financial strategy; goal setting and accountability; guidance on funding, compliance, and scaling.
Financial training access: Participants receive Dave Ramsey+ as a reimbursable subsidy, including the EveryDollar budgeting app, Financial Peace University, and Ramsey audiobooks and online content. https://www.ramseysolutions.com/ramseyplus
SAFESERVE CERTIFICATION TRAINING
Dates: TBD | Preferred schedule: Weekday evenings & Saturdays
SafeServe Certification training supports entrepreneurs operating—or preparing to operate—food-based businesses. This training ensures compliance with food safety standards while increasing credibility with customers, regulators, and funders.
Ideal for: food truck owners, caterers, restaurant and café entrepreneurs, and home-based food businesses.
Entrepreneurs gain: recognized food safety certification, permit and inspection readiness, reduced business risk, and improved customer trust.
CEO SUCCESS SUMMIT #1
Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Chamber of Commerce | Format: Hands-on workshop | Materials: Laptop
Lunch included: Chamber of Commerce Lunch & Networking
10:00–10:45 — The Business Plan Blueprint (DeShay Williams)
Guides entrepreneurs through the essential components of a strong business plan, clarifying value proposition, target market, operations, and financial direction to support growth and funding readiness.
10:45–11:30 — Strengthening Business Essentials (Ava Oneal)
Covers core business fundamentals—including strategy, financial literacy, operations, and compliance—to support sound decision-making and scalable growth.
11:30–12:15 — Elevating Customer Service as a Competitive Advantage (Corey Holman)
Provides practical strategies for using customer experience to drive loyalty, revenue, and brand reputation.
12:15–12:45 — Lunch & Networking (30 minutes)
12:45–1:30 — Developing Emotionally Intelligent CEOs (David Wilson)
Builds self-awareness, emotional regulation, and leadership presence to help entrepreneurs manage stress, lead teams, and sustain healthy workplace cultures.
1:30–3:30 — Grant Writing & Funding Readiness (Paulette Hart)
A two-hour intensive covering funding identification, grant requirements, alignment with funder priorities, and proposal readiness to support sustainable funding strategies.
3:30–4:00 — Group Q&A, Integration, and Next Steps
Facilitated wrap-up connecting key takeaways across sessions and outlining follow-up resources and support.
CHILDCARE ENTREPRENEUR COHORT
Saturday, April 21 – July 21, 2026
A targeted cohort supporting childcare providers and early learning entrepreneurs in building sustainable, compliant, and financially sound businesses through sector-specific training, coaching, and peer support.
BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT BOOTCAMP
May 2026
An intensive, short-format bootcamp designed to help entrepreneurs build or significantly strengthen a complete business plan—ideal for those preparing for funding, applications, or growth.
CEO SUCCESS SUMMIT #2
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Location: Chamber of Commerce | Lunch included
JULY 2026 | SIGNATURE APPLICATION PREP SERIES
Saturday, June 6, 2026 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
This 3-part workshop series prepares entrepreneurs to complete the Signature Cohort Application, which includes a business plan, pitch video, and letter of support. Attendance at all three workshops is strongly encouraged.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 — Business Plan Workshop 1
Location: Chamber of Commerce, 401 S. Broad Street
Outcomes: understand the purpose and value of a business plan; identify required components; begin drafting a plan outline.
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 — Pitch Preparation Workshop 2
Location: Chamber of Commerce
Outcomes: learn effective pitch structure and content; build confidence and clarity; prepare for pitch video submission.
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 — Letter of Support Workshop 3
Location: Chamber of Commerce
Outcomes: understand letters of support; identify and engage your support system; review and finalize all application components.
SIGNATURE 12-WEEK ENTREPRENEUR TRAINING PROGRAM
Tuesday, August 18 – Tuesday, October 27, 2026
The Signature Program supports entrepreneurs in building viable businesses, creating jobs, and generating long-term economic stability.
Includes: business planning and financial training; weekly one-on-one coaching; pitch preparation and networking; growth pathways and funding readiness.
Funding opportunity: Graduates may apply for Spark Alumni Fund loans offering low-cost capital and continued coaching support.
GRADUATION & SPARK TANK PITCH COMPETITION
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Spark Thomasville’s annual Spark Tank & Graduation celebrates entrepreneurs completing the Signature Program through an Entrepreneur Expo, pitch competition with cash prizes, graduation ceremony, and community celebration and networking.
