Spark Thomasville and InvestTVL Celebrate the Inaugural Class of the 2024 Business Finance Essentials Workshop Series

Entrepreneurs apply for funding to scale their businesses 

THOMASVILLE |  Eleven minority-owned business owners successfully completed the the inaugural Business Finance Essentials workshop series. This groundbreaking program marks a significant milestone in empowering underestimated entrepreneurs to secure the capital they need to grow their businesses and create a legacy of success.

Koketta Gantt, owner of New Oak Academy and Willow Early Learning Academy, said she attended the training because she has recently expanded her operations and needs additional operating capital as she builds her client base. InvestTVL’s Spark Alumni Fund provides low-interest loans for working capital, or furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF

“People often forget that childcare is a business and that we must know and implement best business practices to thrive. InvestTVL gives business owners an opportunity to expand and be sustainable by providing hands-on training that focuses on the financial health of their businesses,” Gantt said.

Rickela Reynolds, a cohort participant and filmmaker, shared: “The Loan Fund Workshop was an invaluable resource! As a creator, my focus is often on my craft, but I realized that’s only half of my business. The workshop provided a comprehensive view of my finances, highlighting the critical importance of bookkeeping. Understanding where my money is going is essential for maintaining a healthy and stable business. I commend Spark for offering this to us entrepreneurs.”

The journey began on May 8th with an introduction class, followed by a ribbon-cutting kickoff at the Thomasville Thomas County Chamber of Commerce. The selected entrepreneurs then embarked on a transformative four-week cohort, focusing on critical aspects of business finance, including business funding, understanding financial statements, business financial software, and personal application completion. Throughout the program, participants received personalized assistance from dedicated community experts.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our partners, without whom this program would not have been possible,” said DeShay Williams, Director of Spark Thomasville. “Imagine Thomasville, the Partnership for Inclusive Innovation (PIN), TNB, TC Federal, The First Bank, Albany Community Together, and O’Neals Consulting and Training Services have all played a vital role in making this workshop series a reality.”

Special recognition goes to Spark Thomasville Board member, Willie Allen; InvestTVL consultant, Katie Chastain; and Spark Thomasville Volunteer Cohort Speaker and Coach, Earl Williams for their hard work in supporting these entrepreneurs.

“The Business Finance Essentials Cohort equipped entrepreneurs with crucial tools and knowledge to master financial management. This understanding enables businesses to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success,” said Willie Allen, Spark Thomasville Board member.

The graduates of the 2024 Business Finance Essentials Workshop Series are now equipped to create jobs, build wealth, and make a lasting impact on the Thomasville community.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the success of this inaugural class,” said Williams. “These hard-working entrepreneurs have demonstrated their commitment to growth and success, and we are confident that they will continue to thrive and contribute to the economic viability of our community.”

Spark Thomasville and InvestTVL remain dedicated to supporting underestimated entrepreneurs through education, coaching, and access to affordable capital. The organizations look forward to continuing their collaborative efforts to create a more inclusive, vibrant, and prosperous Thomasville for all.

Ava O’Neal, owner of O’Neals Consulting and Training, assists Paige Knuckles code transactions from her nail business, Color Me Paige.

For more information about Spark Thomasville and InvestTVL, please visit www.sparkthomasville.com or https://www.thomasvillecdc.org/resources