It Takes a Community to Build a Business
- deshaywilliams3
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
Spark Thomasville Is Calling Entrepreneurs and Community Leaders to Help
Build the Next Generation of Local Businesses.
Tuesday, July 14
9:00 a.m.
Spark Thomasville Executive Director
THOMASVILLE, Ga. — Spark Thomasville is accepting applications for its 2026 Signature
12-Week Entrepreneur Training & Coaching Program and inviting entrepreneurs, volunteer business coaches, guest speakers, sponsors, and community partners to help shape Thomasville's next generation of entrepreneurs.
Over 12 weeks, entrepreneurs strengthen their business plans, build financial knowledge, learn from experienced business leaders, receive one-on-one coaching, expand their professional networks, and prepare to present their businesses during the annual Spark Tank PitchCompetition.
Graduates are also eligible for continued coaching and access to affordable loans
through the Spark Alumni Fund.
For 2024 graduate Nyhema Kelly-Hicks, founder of Early Learning Academy, Spark
Thomasville provided the opportunity to grow as an entrepreneur, strengthen her business, and present her vision during the annual Spark Tank Pitch Competition, where she earned third place.
"I'm grateful to the Spark team for their time, guidance, and investment in local
entrepreneurs,"Kelly-Hicks said.
At the 2024 Spark Tank Pitch Competition, she celebrated her third-place finish surrounded by coaches, judges, bankers, volunteers, and business leaders who had invested in her success—a reminder that entrepreneurship grows stronger when a community grows with it.
That spirit of encouragement is what first drew Jamie Lawrence to Spark as a financial literacy speaker and Spark Tank judge. Today, he serves on the Spark Thomasville Board of Directors.
"What stood out to me was how intentional Spark is," Lawrence said. " It's not just information—it's relationships, accountability, and real support."
Volunteer business coach Dr. Lorraine Williams-Rahming says investing in entrepreneurs has become one of the most rewarding ways she serves the community.
"Volunteering with Spark Thomasville is such an eye-opener to the Thomasville community," she said. "If you have a little time and a desire to experience the real Thomasville and build up our beautiful community, just give us one meeting. Spark really lights me up. It feeds my soul."
Executive Director DeShay Williams says Spark's goal is to help entrepreneurs build businesses that last.
"Every entrepreneur arrives at Spark with a different story. Some come with an idea, while
others, like Nyhema, come with an established business and a vision for what's next. Our role isto help them build financially resilient, sustainable businesses by combining practical business education, financial coaching, experienced mentors, and a community that believes in their potential. We encourage every applicant to begin with our free Application Preparation Workshop Series, where they'll strengthen their application, refine their business concept, and begin building relationships before the program even begins."
2026 Program Schedule
Free Application Preparation Workshops (Highly Encouraged for All Applicants)
Tuesdays, July 14, 21 & 28, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce
12-Week Entrepreneur Training & Coaching Program
Tuesdays, Aug. 18 – Oct. 27, 2026 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Thomasville-Thomas County Chamber of Commerce
Spark Tank Pitch Competition &Graduation
Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026
Southern Regional Technical College
Application Deadline: Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026
To apply for the 2026 Entrepreneur Training & Coaching Program or register for the free Application Preparation Workshops, visit www.sparkthomasville.com or
email deshaywilliams@sparkthomasville.com.
Our Contact Information
DeShay Williams, Executive Director, Spark Thomasville
125 North Broad Street, Suite 216, Thomasville, GA 31792
(229) 843-4888 office
(202) 821-9874 cell
Spark Thomasville: Building Community…One Business at a Time.
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