THOMASVILLE- Spark Thomasville is proud to announce the launch of five targeted entrepreneurial training cohorts in 2025, designed to address critical community needs while empowering local entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and access to capital necessary for success.

Spark Thomasville’s 2025 programming focuses on breaking down barriers to business growth through specialized training in financial literacy, tax compliance, affordable housing development, childcare business expansion, and comprehensive entrepreneurship training. Each cohort prepares entrepreneurs for financing opportunities through the Spark Thomasville Alumni Fund, in partnership with InvestTVL, Thomasville’s Community Development Loan Fund.

“Our cohorts are intentionally designed to address the most pressing needs in our community—particularly housing and childcare—because strengthening these areas directly contributes to Thomasville’s economic vitality,” said DeShay Williams, Executive Director of Spark Thomasville. “By supporting entrepreneurs in these essential sectors, we’re helping create opportunities that fuel growth, stability, and prosperity for the entire community.”

Targeted Entrepreneurial Training Programs for 2025

1. Business Finance Essentials Bootcamp – On February 8, 2025,
Spark held its first cohort of the year in February. With 20% of small businesses failing within the first year and 50% within five years—often due to lack of capital—this intensive bootcamp equipped entrepreneurs with essential financial tools. Participants received training in QuickBooks, learned about lending opportunities, and developed strategic marketing skills to help them become loan-ready and financially resilient.

2. Tax Prep Assistance Program – March 4, 11, & 18, 2025 | 6-8 p.m.
Tax compliance is vital for entrepreneurs seeking funding opportunities. This program assists participants in filing both personal and business tax returns, offering up to $1,500 in grant funding to cover the cost of tax preparation and filing, with preference given to previous Spark Program graduates. Participants will work directly with tax professionals to ensure their financial records are in order and meet the documentation requirements for loan applications and other financial opportunities.

“Proper tax preparation is a critical but often overlooked step for entrepreneurs working toward financial stability and business growth,” said Briana Butler, Tax Prep Cohort Instructor and Owner of Bri Advised. “Through this program, business owners not only gain valuable knowledge but also access grant funding to cover tax preparation and filing costs—especially for previous Spark graduates—removing a financial burden that could otherwise hold them back from securing future funding opportunities.”

3. Building for Success: Construction Entrepreneur Cohort – April 2025 (Saturdays, 8 a.m.- 1 p.m.)
With 40% of housing in Urban Revitalization Zones either blighted or vacant, this four-week program focuses on helping contractors, electricians, and plumbers gain certifications and develop business strategies to secure contracts. Participants will be equipped to contribute to Thomasville’s affordable housing efforts while strengthening their businesses and supporting local revitalization.

4. Childcare Provider Business Training – May 6 – July 31, 2025 (Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.)
Thomasville faces a significant childcare shortage, with close to only 1,000 spaces available for 3,000 children under five. This 12-week training equips entrepreneurs with knowledge of licensing requirements, business planning, and operational management skills—helping increase childcare availability, which supports both working families and overall economic growth.

5. Spark Thomasville Signature Entrepreneurship Training – August 12 – November 4, 2025 (Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m.)
This flagship 12-week program offers comprehensive entrepreneurial training for all industries, including business plan development, coaching from community leaders, and access to funding opportunities through the Spark Alumni Fund. Participants gain essential skills and tools needed to scale their businesses and drive local economic development.

Each cohort offers practical knowledge, professional development, and direct pathways to capital to strengthen Thomasville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. While it costs $2,500 to train one entrepreneur in one cohort, Spark Thomasville remains committed to keeping costs low for participants to ensure accessibility for all business owners. This work is made possible by the generous support of the community, whose donations help these entrepreneurs thrive.

“Investing in our local entrepreneurs is about more than just supporting small businesses—it’s about building economic stability and creating opportunities that benefit the entire community,” added Williams. “Through training, coaching, and access to capital, we’re helping foster a thriving, resilient local economy.”

Spark Thomasville invites community members to support its mission of empowering local entrepreneurs and driving economic growth. 

“Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to enroll in a program, a coach, speaker, or volunteer eager to share your expertise, or someone passionate about supporting small businesses through funding, your involvement can make a meaningful difference. Together,  we can ignite economic opportunity and build a stronger, more vibrant entrepreneurial community in Thomasville,” Williams concluded.