Spark Thomasville Honors Entrepreneurs at 2025 Graduation Event

On November 25, 2025, Spark Thomasville celebrated significant achievements in the entrepreneurial community with a dual event featuring the graduation of the Fall 2025 Signature Entrepreneur Training Program and the highly anticipated Spark Tank Pitch Competition. The evening highlighted the spirit of innovation and perseverance among local entrepreneurs, embodying the theme “From Dreams to Reality.”

Celebrating Community and Entrepreneurship

The event kicked off with an Entrepreneur Expo, showcasing a variety of products and services from the program’s cohort members. This vibrant atmosphere fostered networking opportunities for local businesses and community members, reinforcing Thomasville’s commitment to economic mobility and support for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Pastor Israel Blake opened the evening with a heartfelt dedication honoring the legacy of founding Board Member Nathaniel Abrams, Jr. and entrepreneurs Kentrella Shoats and Chynekqua Lott. Their contributions continue to inspire Spark’s mission and the local business landscape.

During his welcoming remarks, Spark Board Member Jay Flowers emphasized the importance of investing in underestimated entrepreneurs, sharing his own journey as a business owner. He stated, “I started from scratch. It’s really hard to start from scratch when you’ve been left behind… thank you to each one of you that’s here to support our entrepreneurs. This community is behind all of our entrepreneurs as you go.”

Impressive Pitches and Notable Achievements

The evening featured dynamic pitches from the entrepreneurs, who presented their business ideas on the Spark Tank stage. Their development was supported by Spark’s training, coaching, and access to affordable capital through the Spark Alumni Loan Fund, which is serviced by InvestTVL and underwritten by Albany Community Together (ACT).

ACT Founder and Executive Director Dr. Thelma Johnson, who served as a judge for the competition, commended the cohort’s readiness and understanding of their business metrics. “Spark’s entrepreneurs are extraordinary,” said Johnson. “Several are truly finance-ready, and all demonstrated a strong grasp of their numbers and business goals.”

Special awards were presented to several outstanding entrepreneurs. Marcus Paytee Jr. of Power 4 Ease Electric received the Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Cohort award, while DeBorah Warren of Care-Apy Coaching & Events was honored with the Spirit of Community & Mentorship Award. Candiece Jackson of Candy’s World Hair & Nail Salon earned the Resilience in Entrepreneurship Award.

Graduate Anthony Rauls shared his transformative experience in the program, stating, “My experience in the Spark cohort was truly impactful. It helped me grow as a business owner, tighten up my systems, and build real confidence in what I’m doing.” Rauls credited the program for enhancing his ability to present his business and believe in his vision.

Executive Director DeShay Williams expressed gratitude for the community’s support over the years. “From 2019 to 2024, the community helped Spark graduate 70 entrepreneurs. In 2025 alone, we graduated another 70. One year equaled the impact of the previous five years combined,” she noted. Williams highlighted that this growth was driven by five distinct cohorts tailored to meet both entrepreneurial and community needs, including the Business Finance Essentials Series and Childcare Provider Business Training.

Williams concluded by reaffirming Spark’s mission, symbolized by their logo of four interconnected circles representing entrepreneurs, coaches, partners, and community members. “When we live the Spark mission together, transformation happens,” she stated.

This celebration not only marked the achievements of the entrepreneurs but also underscored the collaborative spirit of the Thomasville community, committed to fostering economic growth and opportunity.