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SPARK Savannah Celebrates First Cohort Graduation

Participants of the inaugural SPARK Savannah cohort celebrating their graduation.

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.