“My favorite part of Spark Tank is the connection,” Xiamy shared. “It’s learning the terminology of the businesses and being connected to other people in the community like myself.”
– Xiamy Ly-Yang, Owner of Chez Maryse
After participating in Center for Community Transformation (CCT)’s Spark Tank Pitch Fest, Xiamy continued building the vision behind Chez Maryse, her French-inspired café and restaurant in Fresno. At Spark Tank, she had the opportunity to present her business concept and compete for funding. For Xiamy, the experience was about more than the funding. Spark Tank connected her with other like-minded entrepreneurs who share her commitment to serving the community and gave her the opportunity to learn from people who were willing to support her vision.
Today, Chez Maryse continues to grow while staying rooted in the mission that inspired it from the beginning which is creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities. Her story shows how even a small investment, paired with the right connections and encouragement, can help an entrepreneur move their vision forward.
Xiamy’s Business Was Built to Create Opportunity
As a social worker, Xiamy spent more than 20 years supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and autism. Throughout her career, she saw firsthand how difficult it could be for her clients to find meaningful employment. Instead of waiting for opportunities to become available, she decided to create them.
“When I came upon this building,” Xiamy shared, “I decided I’m going to build something here so that my clients can find employment.”
Inspired by the French culture she grew up around, Chez Maryse was designed to be more than a restaurant. It would become a place where people could build confidence, develop job skills, and experience meaningful work while sharing exceptional food with the Fresno community.
Taking the Next Step Through Spark Tank
While Xiamy had a clear vision, she knew she needed guidance to transform that vision into a sustainable business, and that is what led her to CCT’s Spark Tank program.
Spark Tank guides entrepreneurs through every stage of transforming an idea into a business that creates lasting community impact.
The journey begins with a Social Enterprise Workshop, where participants explore how to develop businesses that generate both financial sustainability and positive social change.
From there, entrepreneurs submit an application and work alongside experienced coaches to strengthen their proposal and prepare their pitch. During Spark Tank Pitch Fest, participants present their business ideas for the opportunity to receive seed funding.
For Xiamy, the experience was both exciting and intimidating.
“I [didn’t] have any background in business,” she recalled. “There was a lot of business terminology that I had no idea what it was. But when I took the class, it was so amazing.”
With support from the CCT team, she learned how to organize her ideas, strengthen her business plan, and confidently communicate the impact she hoped Chez Maryse would have on the community.
More Than Funding
At the Spark Tank Pitch Fest, Xiamy received a $500 award to invest in her business. She used the funding to purchase artwork, décor, and finishing touches that transformed Chez Maryse into the inviting French café she had envisioned.
“I was able to get my tapestry. I was able to get little decorations that makes it very unique to me and to the French vibe,” she said. “So $500 to me, that was awesome.”
While the funding helped bring her vision to life, the relationships she built through Spark Tank left an equally lasting impact.
“My favorite part of Spark Tank is the connection,” Xiamy shared. “It’s learning the terminology of the businesses and being connected to other people in the community like myself.”
Where Is Chez Maryse Today?
Chez Maryse continues to grow. What started as an idea for a French café has become a thriving restaurant that creates meaningful employment opportunities while serving the Fresno community. Xiamy continues to expand her vision by developing a branded coffee line, working toward evening dinner service, and partnering with local vendors throughout the Central Valley.
“My goal and my vision is to work with the community and for the community,” she said.
Following Spark Tank, Xiamy participated in LaunchPad, CCT’s seven-week entrepreneurship program that helps emerging and established business owners gain practical skills, refine their strategy, and confidently grow businesses that create lasting community impact.
Looking back, she credits CCT with helping her connect to the people and resources that continue to move her business forward.
“The CCT is such an instrumental part of growing my business,” she said. “It has allowed me to connect with other resources in the community that I did not have before.”
Ready to Pitch Your Idea?
If you have a business idea that could create positive change in your community, Spark Tank can help you take the next step. Here is how it works:
- Attend a Social Enterprise Workshop to learn how to build a business that creates both financial and social impact.
- Submit your application and refine your proposal with guidance from experienced coaches.
- Pitch your idea at Spark Tank Pitch Fest for the opportunity to receive seed funding.
- Continue growing through LaunchPad, CCT’s seven-week entrepreneurship program designed to help you strengthen your business strategy and build a sustainable business.
Whether you are just getting started or ready to grow your business, CCT’s entrepreneurship programs provide the tools, mentorship, and community to help you turn your vision into lasting impact.
