News Summary
The inaugural SPARK Savannah cohort completes a 12-week accelerator program with a 100% graduation rate. Participants engaged in the Kauffman FastTrac curriculum to develop business plans. A Business Development Grant was awarded to the top three founders. The diverse ventures launched by graduates highlight the entrepreneurial talent in the Savannah community, aiming to enhance the local startup ecosystem and drive economic growth.
Savannah — The inaugural cohort of SPARK Savannah, an accelerator program designed by Startup Savannah, has successfully completed a 12-week course with a remarkable graduation rate of 100%. Every one of the 15 participants successfully finished the program, showcasing their commitment and entrepreneurial spirit.
The SPARK Savannah classes took place at the Deloitte Foundry, which serves as SCAD’s innovation studio. Over the duration of the program, participants engaged in dynamic learning experiences where they applied the Kauffman FastTrac curriculum to craft comprehensive business plans. This curriculum covered crucial topics essential for budding entrepreneurs, including pricing strategy, marketing, intellectual property, and financial modeling.
As part of the completion of the program, a Business Development Grant was awarded to the top three founders. This award was based on various criteria, which encompassed attendance, engagement in the program, and the overall quality of their business pitch presentations.
Nick Palumbo, Executive Director of Startup Savannah, expressed pride in the accomplishments of the graduates, emphasizing their hard work and dedication throughout the program. The cohort represented a diverse array of businesses from different sectors within the Savannah community.
The types of businesses launched by the graduates reflect innovation and creativity, including ventures in public speaking coaching, eco-friendly candles, community cold plunges, and alternative airplane storage. This diversity highlights the range of entrepreneurial talent present in the area.
Here is the complete list of graduates from the inaugural SPARK Savannah cohort:
- Nyna Kumi Butler
- Amy Paige Condon
- Hannah Eyre
- Dr. SallyAnn Gray
- Richard Griffin
- Dora Jenkins
- Nicole Lee
- Ted Meyer
- Denae Murray
- JaQuan Oliver
- Dwanjai Owens
- Lydia Stearns
- Jah’Va Walker
- Ethan Watters
- Sapphire Starr Wilder
The SPARK Savannah program aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support necessary to translate their ideas into viable businesses. By promoting a structured learning environment and fostering collaboration among peers, the program aspires to enhance the local startup ecosystem and drive economic growth within Savannah.
As the first cohort successfully concludes their journey, SPARK Savannah is expected to pave the way for future classes, continuing to support the entrepreneurial ambitions and aspirations of individuals in the community.
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Additional Resources
- Savannah Business Journal: Startup Savannah Graduates Inaugural Class of SPARK Savannah
- Wikipedia: Savannah, Georgia
- Savannah Now: Local Nonprofit Rebrands to Lift Focus on Startups
- Google Search: Startup Ecosystem Savannah
- Savannah Business Journal: Startup Savannah Kicks Off Inaugural Cohort
- Google Scholar: Entrepreneurship in Savannah
- WTOC: Hundreds Gather in Savannah for Hands Off Protests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Startup
- Drive Spark: Hyundai Hope On Wheels Donates to Children’s Hospital in Savannah
- Google News: Savannah Economic Development
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
