10 entrepreneurs. 1 unforgettable night. Here’s what happened.

DeShay Williams

Thursday, January 8

7:00 a.m.

Spark Thomasville Executive Director

Thomasville Insight: When 10 entrepreneurs stepped onto the Spark Tank stage in November, they didn’t just pitch businesses—they proved what’s possible. 🔥

Every graduate of the 2025 Signature cohort won with their certificate of completion. Congratulations!

On November 11th, we witnessed something powerful at Spark Tank 2025: 10 entrepreneurs who turned dreams into reality.

When underestimated entrepreneurs get their moment to pitch, entire communities witness what generational wealth-building looks like.

SPARK TANK 2025 PRIZE WINNERS:

🥇 1st Place — Marcus Paytee Jr., Power 4 Ease Electric 

🥈 2nd Place — Charlene Hampton, MarBen5 Transportation Services 

🥉 3rd Place — Chimere Brooks, Sage & Cinnamon Wellness Initiatives

FALL 2025 SIGNATURE COHORT GRADUATES:

✨ Candiece Jackson — Candy’s World Hair & Nail Salon

✨ Charlene Hampton — MarBen5 Transportation Services 

✨ Deborah Warren — Care-Apy Coaching & Events 

✨ Keyshonda Butler — Key Providers (Event Planning) 

✨ Katrina Rivers — Exodus Bookkeeping 

✨ Batryse Rollins — Be.CandleMaking (Mental Health Coaching) 

✨ Chimere Brooks — Sage & Cinnamon Wellness Initiatives 

✨ Latonya Rauls — Beyond Home Care 

✨ Anthony Rauls — Rauls Event and Janitorial Services 

✨ Marcus Paytee Jr. — Power 4 Ease Electric

The theme: “Dreams to Reality”

And here’s what made it real:

💡 Innovative solutions to Thomasville challenges 

🎯 Business ideas creating jobs and economic opportunity 

🚀 Entrepreneurs proving our community is worth investing in

Judge Dr. Thelma Johnson said: “Spark’s entrepreneurs are extraordinary! Several are truly finance-ready. Their understanding of collateral, revenue, and pricing was evident in every pitch.”

First place winner Marcus Paytee sharing about his business Power4Ease Electric.

The breakthrough:

From 2019-2024, Spark graduated 70 entrepreneurs. In 2025 alone? Another 70.

One year equaled the previous 5 years combined.

That’s what happens when a community shows up.

As we step into 2026, these entrepreneurs are already building, growing, and creating impact. They’re receiving continued coaching, accessing resources, and proving that when we invest in underestimated entrepreneurs, we all win.

Thank you to everyone who made Spark Tank 2025 unforgettable—our judges, volunteers, coaches, partners, and every person who believes Thomasville entrepreneurs deserve their shot.

This is just the beginning.

Which entrepreneur’s story inspires YOU most as we start 2026?