Startup Savannah officially welcomed 15 entrepreneurs into its Fall 2026 SPARK Savannah accelerator during a kickoff mixer held Tuesday, July 7. Supported by a generous contribution from Comcast, the intensive 12-week program is designed to help founders transform promising business ideas into sustainable, growth-ready companies.

The Fall cohort represents a diverse cross-section of Savannah's entrepreneurial ecosystem, from technology startups and wellness businesses to tourism, media, retail, and professional services.

The Fall 2026 SPARK Cohort includes:

• Jordan Angelastro – Starland Baldwin Entertainment
• Caroline Balfe – The Estimators
• Katrina Bostick – Pink Magnolia Tours
• Alex Bowles – Savannah Stocking Company
• Rock Frederic – F09 Tech
• Akeem Grayson – Lasa United & Savannah Black Market
• Meli Kirkwood – Bululu Wellness
• Aaron Mitchell – Port City Software
• Michelle Munroe – Coastal Georgia Women's Foundation
• Shateria Nunley – ReHERbilitated
• Kimberly Hillestad O'Bannon – Hillestad Media, LLC
• Marrisa Rawls – Geechee Girl Apothecary
• Lativia Samone – Lativia Samone Strategic Consulting
• Garrett Zajac – The Game Show Trolley
• Ediva Zanker – Pilates and Punches

"Every cohort raises the bar, and this one is no exception," says Nick Palumbo, Executive Director of Startup Savannah. "These fifteen founders were selected from a deeply competitive applicant pool, and over the next twelve weeks they'll get world-class instruction, a proven curriculum, and the full support of Savannah's entrepreneurial community. We can't wait for them to catch fire."

Over the next 12 weeks, participants will work through the nationally recognized Kauffman FastTrac curriculum while learning from Startup Savannah staff, experienced entrepreneurs, and business leaders from across the region.

Topics include:

• Customer Discovery
• Market Research
• Pricing Strategy
• Financial Modeling
• Business Planning
• Pitch Development

By graduation, each founder will leave with a completed business plan, a refined business pitch, and a stronger network of mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.

At the conclusion of the program, participants will compete for Business Development Grants totaling $5,000, with awards of:

• First Place — $3,000
• Second Place — $1,500
• Third Place — $500