From Experience to Impact: Why Supporting Entrepreneurs Matters

DeShay Williams

Tuesday, April 28

7:00 a.m.

Spark Thomasville Executive Director

There are moments we look for in every Spark conversation, moments when someone stops talking about what they do and starts revealing why they do it. Those are the moments that remind us this work is bigger than business.

This week, I had one of those conversations.

For Jamie Lawrence, serving on the Spark board isn’t just about leadership; it’s personal.

A Journey Rooted in Experience

Before stepping into banking and board leadership, Jamie was an entrepreneur, owning and operating a restaurant for over three years. That experience, paired with watching his grandfather rise from poverty to business ownership with the help of a small bank loan, shaped how he sees entrepreneurship today.

“I’ve been on both sides,” he shared. “I know what it feels like to build something, and how hard it is to sustain it.”

That lived experience is what drives his commitment to supporting others now.

Why Spark Stood Out

Jamie’s connection to Spark started with an invitation, an opportunity to speak on financial literacy and serve as a judge for Spark Tank. But what kept him engaged was something deeper.

It was the people.

It was the willingness of leaders in this community to show up, give their time, and pour into others.

“What stood out to me was how intentional Spark is,” he explained. “It’s not just information, it’s relationships, accountability, and real support.”

Unlike traditional organizations, Spark meets entrepreneurs where they are, offering programming during evenings and weekends to ensure access for those balancing work, family, and ambition. For many in South Georgia, especially single mothers and working professionals, that accessibility makes all the difference.

Filling the Gaps for Entrepreneurs

In communities like Thomasville and across South Georgia, entrepreneurship isn’t just an option; it’s essential.

With limited large industry presence, small businesses are the backbone of the local economy. But the path isn’t easy.

Jamie pointed to some of the biggest challenges entrepreneurs face:

• Access to funding

• Surviving the critical first year

• Having realistic expectations while staying motivated

  
  

“These are the areas where support matters most,” he shared. “And that’s where Spark is making a difference.”

Seeing Potential Others Overlook

One of the most surprising insights from his time with Spark has been discovering the strength and potential of service-based entrepreneurs.

Electricians. Plumbers. Skilled tradespeople.

Many are already working within established companies but carry a vision of building something of their own.

“There’s so much opportunity there,” he said. “But they need guidance, structure, and support to make that leap.”

Through Spark’s cohort model, those entrepreneurs gain more than knowledge; they gain community, accountability, and confidence.

The Power of Community

What makes Spark different isn’t just programming; it’s the connection.

Jamie described how relationships built within Spark continue long after the cohort ends.

Mentorship doesn’t stop. Support doesn’t disappear.

And that ongoing connection creates real outcomes.

“This is where you see the impact,” he explained. “It’s not always in big data, it’s in the businesses that stay open, the families supported, and the money that stays right here in our community.”

When entrepreneurs succeed locally, the entire community grows with them.

Advice for Entrepreneurs

As both a former entrepreneur and current banker, Jamie offered clear and honest advice:

Build relationships, especially with your banker. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. And most importantly, be prepared to put your business first.

“Sometimes that means making personal sacrifices,” he shared. “But if you want your business to succeed, it has to be a priority.”

A Reflection on Impact

Jamie’s journey reflects something we see again and again at Spark: when experience meets purpose, impact follows.

His story is a reminder that supporting entrepreneurs isn’t just about starting businesses. It’s about sustaining them, strengthening them, and building a community where people have the tools and relationships they need to succeed.

Because when one entrepreneur grows, we all do.