Greatness is often not recognized close up.
But when Dr. Thelma Johnson, the President/CEO of Albany Community Together, Inc. (ACT!), looks at Spark Thomasville, she sees something extraordinary - a caring community that has come together in unprecedented ways to support underestimated entrepreneurs.
“I don’t know if Thomasville understands what a unique thing is happening,” shares Johnson. “The community is so energized, so connected and committed to Spark and underestimated entrepreneurs. It is truly amazing."
Dr. Johnson's smile widens as she says something that is a direct result of you, the Spark Thomasville giving community:
"We serve in thirty-eight counties in Georgia, and what is happening in Thomasville is extraordinary!”
ACT! is a highly accomplished Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Albany Georgia. CDFI's are mission-driven organizations that provide affordable loans, resources, and support to underserved communities, helping to drive economic growth in areas that are typically harder for traditional banks to service alone.
With over two decades of experience supporting business development across 38 Georgia counties, Johnson’s observation carries particular weight.
A Legacy of Helpful Leadership
Since 2002, Johnson’s leadership at ACT! has created remarkable impact across 38 Georgia counties:
$15 Million in direct loans
$35 Million in private leveraging
$50 Million in access to capital for entrepreneurs
266 Entrepreneurs, 1550 jobs created and retained
Over 20,000 technical assistance hours provided
Her enthusiasm for entrepreneurship stems from early experience with her father, a contractor who involved his children in his business operations. “At 9 years old, I was actually doing his business with him,” Johnson reflects. “I have always had a desire to help entrepreneurs who, like my dad, didn’t have access to capital and business development services.”
Building a Caring Partnership
ACT! will underwrite loans to Spark Thomasville Graduates applying for loan funding from the Spark Thomasville Alumni Fund. Johnson and ACT are walking alongside Spark Thomasville and the Thomasville Community Development Corporation to create Thomasville’s first locally run CDFI—InvestTVL. This collaboration addresses critical challenges faced by underestimated entrepreneurs:
Limited access to capital
Limited networking opportunities
Education and skill gaps
Lack of supportive ecosystem
Lack of role models and mentors
Thomasville's CDFI, InvestTVL, offers tailored resources and innovative programs that invest federal dollars alongside private sector capital, InvestTVL serves mission-driven organizations like Spark that take a community market-based approach to building economic vitality.
“Where others see risk, CDFIs (like InvestTVL) see opportunity,” Johnson explains, highlighting the approach these institutions take to serving underestimated communities.
A Model for Success
Johnson particularly praises Spark’s comprehensive approach: “Partnering the entrepreneurs with a coach is such a big key to their success. The recent Spark Tank, where I was a judge, highlighted the outcomes of the businesses and the community’s commitment to the entrepreneurs. The level of success they showed was remarkable.”
Creating Lasting Impact
This partnership strengthens Spark Thomasville’s ability to:
Support underestimated entrepreneurs
Foster collaboration and community engagement
Provide access to resources and affordable capital
Create jobs and build generational wealth
Love our neighbors through meaningful action
How Blessed We Are!
When leaders like you and Dr. Thelma Johnson recognize and support our mission to educate, train, encourage, and support underestimated entrepreneurs, we are truly blessed!
Thank you for creating lasting change in Thomasville.
DeShay Williams
Executive Director
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