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:
-
Individualized coaching through open-access one-on-one training
-
Sector-specific cohorts, including childcare and food-based businesses
-
CEO Success Summits focused on leadership, planning, and funding readiness
-
A 12-week Signature Training Program with weekly coaching and capital pathways
-
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 Every Dollar budgeting app, Financial Peace University, and Ramsey audiobooks and online content.
SERVSAFE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
Monday, April 27 - 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM
ServSafe 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.
JULY 2026 | SIGNATURE ENTREPRENEUR CO-HORT PREP 3-PART SERIES
Tuesdays July 14, 21, & 28, 2026 | 6:00 PM–7:30 PM
This 3-part workshop series prepares entrepreneurs to complete the application for our 12-Week Signature Entrepreneur Co-hort, which includes a business plan, pitch video, and letter of support. Attendance at all three workshops is strongly encouraged. Registration opens May 15, 2026.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 — Business Plan Workshop 1
Location: Chamber of Commerce, 401 S. Broad Street
Time: 6-7:30 PM
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
Time: 6-7:30 PM
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
Time: 6-7:30 PM
Outcomes: understand letters of support; identify and engage your support system; review and finalize all application components.
SIGNATURE 12-WEEK ENTREPRENEUR CO-HORT
Tuesday, August 18 – Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 6-8PM
Our Signature 12-Week Entrepreneur Co-hort supports entrepreneurs in building viable businesses, creating jobs, and generating long-term economic stability. We encourage, but don't require, all potential applicants to first join our FREE 3-Part Prep Classes starting on July 14, 2026 to get tips and assistance on how to submit a complete application.
Registration opens July 15th. Deadline to apply is August 4th.
Cost: $215 (Paid after application is approved)
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.
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
You will submit all 3 parts of your application to us by email:
· Subject line: Applicant First Name Last name August 2026 12-Week Training Application
· Email questions on submitting your application to ashleyanderson@sparkthomasville.com
. Application fees are not due until after you are admitted to the program.
· Your application should be emailed to deshaywilliams@sparkthomasville.com and
ashleyanderson@sparkthomasville.com and include:
1. Your Business Plan
2. A YouTube link of your Pitch Video
3. Letter of Support
NOTE: You can find additional instructions and examples of the items to submit by clicking here.
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.
