THOMASVILLE- Spark Thomasville, in partnership with InvestTVL, proudly announce the closing of their first loan to Hustle House Delivery and Logistics, owned by local entrepreneur Jay Davis. This funding milestone not only underscores these organizations’ commitment to breaking down financial barriers for underestimated entrepreneurs but also marks a significant leap forward in empowering community-driven business initiatives in rural Georgia.

In 2023, Spark Thomasville raised $100,000 in private donations to create the Spark Alumni Fund for direct lending to its graduates. Shortly thereafter, Spark partnered with the Thomasville Community Development Corporation (TCDC) to establish the InvestTVL Community Development Loan Fund (CDLF). These funds are designed to provide low cost, flexible loans, with ongoing, comprehensive business coaching to graduates who often find themselves underserved by traditional lenders. As DeShay Williams, Spark Thomasville’s Executive Director, states, “All of our cohorts are designed to provide business coaching, training, and financial resources that strengthen businesses and enhance loan readiness. It’s a privilege to do this work and a joy to work with community-inspired entrepreneurs like Jay Davis.”

Davis, a proud graduate of the Business Finance Essentials Cohort in 2024 has been a beacon of resilience and community service. Davis’ entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 15 with a clothing brand, later transitioning into mobile detailing. Over the past decade, his commitment to community empowerment has grown, as evidenced by annual backpack drives, Christmas toy collections, and community water fun days. Today, Davis’ business, Hustle House Delivery and Logistics, employs a team of four individuals who work together to provide efficient cargo van delivery and logistics services for local and regional clients.

Reflecting on the significance of the funding, Davis shared, “This funding is a game changer. It will help me to scale my business, invest in marketing, and create job opportunities for our community.”

His vision is not only to grow his business but also to continue his lifelong mission of giving back. With the new capital, Davis will both solidify his role as a community leader and facilitate last-mile deliveries and offering reliable logistics solutions.

Briana Butler, a board member at Spark Thomasville and partner with BFT Accounting and Tax, emphasized the impact of Davis’ work, saying, “Celebrating Jay as the first recipient of the Spark Alumni Fund is a testament to his heart for service. His dedication to giving back to Thomasville truly embodies our mission.”

Since its inception, Spark Thomasville has graduated 75 entrepreneurs and delivered 8,475 hours business coaching and financial training, underscoring its relentless commitment to entrepreneurial readiness and economic sustainability. Collaborative efforts between Spark and InvestTVL are set to expand further in 2025, with plans to host strategically designed cohorts aimed at addressing the critical needs of the local community, provide financial training and a clear pathway to low cost loans.

Eugene Nguyen, InvestTVL Manager, also noted the broader implications for the community.

“Hustle House Enterprises exemplifies why CDLFs and organizations like Spark exist,” he said. “Helping this young entrepreneur will greatly benefit our community, and as Spark and InvestTVL strengthen their partnership, we expect to create more opportunities for business and job growth in Thomasville.”

Spark and InvestTVL extend sincere thanks to their community partners—Imagine Thomasville, Partnership for Inclusive Innovation, Albany Community Together, and O’Neal Consulting—as well as their banking partners TNB, The First, and TC Federal. Their gratitude also extends to their many supporters, including local churches, foundations, neighbors, family and friends, whose belief in their missions makes these achievements possible.

To connect with Hustle House Delivery and Logistics, please contact Davis directly at 229-516-5001. For more information about the Spark Thomasville Alumni Fund with InvestTVL email deshaywilliams@sparkthomasville.com or eugene@investtvl.org.