Building for Success
COTC Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Certification Training Program
Schedule & Logistics:
-
Dates: April 15 – June 3 (8 weeks)
-
Sessions: Every Tuesday, 5:30–8:30 PM
-
Location: Chamber of Commerce 401 S. Broad St. Thomasville, GA 31792
Facilitators and Hosts:
-
Sharon Edwards, Executive Director COTC
-
DeShay Williams, Spark Thomasville Executive Director
Key Program Components:
-
Week 1 – April 15: DBE Certification Documentation
-
Access to industry experts on the DBE certification process
-
-
Week 2 – April 22: Certification Eligibility
-
Step-by-step guidance on eligibility and best practices
-
-
Week 3 – April 29: Leveraging Certification
-
Strategies to secure contracts, form partnerships, and boost market visibility
-
-
Week 4 – May 6: Sustainable Growth
-
Utilizing certified status as a competitive advantage for business expansion
-
-
Week 5 – May 13: Networking Opportunities
-
Connecting with industry professionals and certified businesses
-
-
Week 6 – May 20: Business Plan Development
-
Focused session on developing a robust business plan
-
-
Week 7 – May 27: Business Plan Review
-
In-depth review and refinement of business plans
-
-
Week 8 – June 3: Access to Capital/InvestTVL Overview
-
Strategies and insights on accessing capital for business investments
-
YES! I am interested!
Starting: TBD
Join the 12 Week Childcare Provider Business Cohort
Take the next step in building or expanding your childcare business with the Childcare Provider Business.
This 12-week program is designed to support aspiring and current childcare providers with the skills, resources, and insights needed to create thriving and compliant childcare operations.
What You’ll Learn:
• The ABC’s of Starting an ECE Center & Expansion Grants: Learn the essentials to launch or grow your business.
• Family vs. Learning Centers: Explore different models and choose the one that fits your vision.
• Understanding GELDS (Georgia Early Learning and Development Standards): Ensure compliance with state standards.
• Lesson Plans, Scheduling, and Daily Operation Forms: Build efficient systems to manage your center successfully.
• Business Plan Development and Access to Loan Funding : Expert guidance to craft a strategic business plan. Explore funding options to support your childcare business growth.
This cohort combines industry-specific training with entrepreneurial support, providing you with everything you need to succeed in the childcare industry.
Spots are limited—register today to secure your place and start building your childcare business!
August 2025: 12-Week Spark Thomasville’s Signature 12-Week Training and Coaching Program
3-Part Application Due Friday, August 1, 2025
Start Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
About Spark Thomasville
Spark Thomasville is a donor-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to helping underestimated entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses. From teens to adults, we provide training, coaching, and access to resources, giving business owners the support they need to succeed.
About the 12-Week Signature Program
We help entrepreneurs build strong businesses, create jobs, and grow lasting wealth for their families and communities. Through hands-on guidance and a supportive network, the course offers:
Training:
-
Business plan creation
-
Financial training for smart money management
-
Networking with local business leaders
-
Pitch preparation
-
Clear pathways to business growth & capital
Coaches who provide:
-
Weekly one-on-one coaching for strategy & growth
-
Accountability & feedback to refine business plans
-
Resources & connections to expand opportunities
-
Milestone tracking for sustainable success
Funding:
Graduates are eligible apply for loan funding from the Spark Alumni Fund, held with InvestTVL, a Community Development Loan Fund, providing:
-
Low-cost capital tailored for underestimated entrepreneurs
-
Ongoing coaching & training support
-
Help creating opportunities leading to job creation
-
Assistance in building to a more economically viable Thomasville community
Understanding the Application
The program has a 3-Part Application that includes:
-
Submitting a Business Plan
-
Submitting a Pitch Video Presentation
-
Submitting a Letter of Support
Application Prep Workshop Series
All entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged attend all 3 Workshops in the Application Prep Series. These workshops are designed to:
-
Cover each section of the 3-Part Application
-
Strengthen your program application
-
Provide a solid foundation for starting or growing your business
-
Help the Spark Team match you with a coach who will work with you one-on-one throughout the 12 weeks
Sign up below to reserve your space in the application prep workshops.
Workshop 1 — Business Plan Development Workshop
📅 Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | 🕠 5:30 – 7:00 PM
📍 Chamber of Commerce, 401 South Broad Street, Thomasville, GA
By the end of this workshop, entrepreneurs will:
-
Understand the role and value of a business plan
-
List several reasons for developing a business plan
-
Identify sources of support for business planning
-
Recognize the types of information needed in a business plan
-
Begin drafting a business plan outline
By the end of this workshop, entrepreneurs will:
-
Understand the role and value of a business plan
-
List several reasons for developing a business plan
-
Identify sources of support for business planning
-
Recognize the types of information needed in a business plan
-
Begin drafting a business plan outline
Workshop 2 — Pitch Video & Presentation Skills Workshop
📅 Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 🕠 5:30 – 7:00 PM
📍 Chamber of Commerce
In this workshop you will:
-
Learn ideal pitch content and structure
-
Practice how to confidently communicate about your business
-
Build a strong brand
-
Present yourself, your brand, and your business with clarity
-
Get clear on your 'why' and use it to create your pitch video
-
Learn techniques to build rapport and authentic connections
Workshop 3 — Letter of Support & Application Review Workshop
📅 Tuesday, July 29, 2025 | 🕠 5:30 – 7:00 PM
📍 Chamber of Commerce
In this workshop you will:
-
Understand what to include in a Letter of Support
-
Identify your entrepreneurial support system
-
Review all elements of the 3-Part Application:
-
Business Plan
-
Pitch Video
-
Letter of Support
-
Sign up below to reserve your space in the application prep workshops.
Spark Thomasville’s 2025 12- Signature Program Important Dates
-
Friday, August 1 – 3-Part Application Due
-
Tuesday, August 5 – Invitations to participate in the program distributed
-
Tuesday, August 12 – 12-Week Training & Coaching Program Begins — Course Fee $205 due
-
Tuesday, October 28 – Final Session of the 12-Week Program
-
Tuesday, November 11 – Spark Thomasville Graduation & Spark Tank Pitch Competition
-
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 – A Year of Spark Connect Program Begins
Sign up below
The Spark Thomasville Community is looking forward to working with you!
YES! Sign me up for Spark's signature entrepreneurial cohort.
Click the workshops you will be attending.
