Partnership in Action: Shelley Zorn Is Helping Spark Entrepreneurs Think BIG!
From business ideas to business expansion, the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority is opening doors for entrepreneurs ready to grow!
Tuesday, October 6
8:00 a.m.
Spark Thomasville Executive Director
Big things are happening in Thomasville! And thanks to community partners like Shelley Zorn, President and CEO of the Thomasville Payroll Development Authority (PDA), local entrepreneurs have opportunities to be part of that growth.
With 15 years in banking and nearly 30 years in economic development, Shelley brings a wealth of experience and an understanding of what businesses need to succeed.
Her work with the PDA focuses on attracting new industries, supporting existing businesses, and creating economic opportunities throughout Thomasville and Thomas County.
But you don't have to be a big company to benefit from the PDA's expertise! Big Opportunities for Small Businesses!
During a recent visit with Spark's 2026 Signature Entrepreneurship Cohort, Shelley shared how the PDA supports businesses of all sizes, from entrepreneurs exploring new ideas to established companies preparing to expand.
Wondering whether your business idea has a market?
The PDA can provide economic data and market research to help entrepreneurs understand customer demand and make informed decisions.
Ready to expand into a larger space?
Shelley and her team help businesses explore available commercial properties, including opportunities at Red Hills Business Park.
Shelley jokingly describes this part of their work as being "realtors that don't make a commission."
And the results are visible throughout Thomasville! Local businesses like Carol's Cabinets and Land Works are expanding their operations at Red Hills Business Park, demonstrating how businesses of all sizes contribute to our growing economy.
But finding the right location is just one piece of the puzzle. The PDA also helps entrepreneurs navigate city and county permitting processes and connects them with technical colleges and workforce development resources.
Making Connections, Building Community!
For Shelley, helping businesses grow often comes down to connecting them with the right people and resources.
"So just making connections for them. We're glad to do that."
And for someone who has spent much of her life getting to know new places and people, building connections in Thomasville has a personal significance, too.
Originally from Atlanta, Shelley grew up moving every few years as her father's work as a pastor took their family from one community to another. Her professional journey eventually brought her to Thomasville nearly 13 years ago, where she found a community she could finally call home.
"I've probably been in Thomasville longer than anywhere, and kind of hope to stay here. I'm done now," Shelley shared.
Today, she's putting her experience and relationships to work helping other businesses establish roots, build connections, and find opportunities to grow in the community she now calls home.
Better Together: Building Thomasville's Economic Future!
That's where the PDA and Spark Thomasville's missions align.
Spark equips entrepreneurs with business training, coaching, and access to capital, while the PDA helps connect growing businesses with resources, relationships, and opportunities for expansion.
By bringing economic development leaders like Shelley directly into our classroom, we're helping entrepreneurs recognize their role in Thomasville's economic future and build the connections they need to grow.
Together, we're helping today's entrepreneurs become tomorrow's employers!
And Shelley's commitment to our entrepreneurs doesn't end in the classroom. When invited to help present the big check at our November 12 Spark Tank Pitch Competition, she enthusiastically responded, "I would love to do that!"
We look forward to celebrating with Shelley as our entrepreneurs take the next exciting steps in their business journeys!
Thank you, Shelley, for sharing your expertise, opening doors, and helping create opportunities for businesses of all sizes to grow and thrive in Thomasville!
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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