When Alyssa Ndombeson first opened GD.STWRD, now known as GoodFill, she had a simple yet powerful vision: to help people live more sustainably. “I participated in Spark Tank a few years ago to help launch and grow my business for community impact,” Alyssa shares. “At the time, my focus was environmental sustainability.”
GD.STWRD now known as GoodFill is a social enterprise offering eco-friendly home and body products, providing customers with practical ways to reduce waste.
Social enterprises combine the power of business with a commitment to social good. At the Center for Community Transformation (CCT), we believe these mission-driven businesses can address some of the Central Valley’s most pressing challenges—from environmental sustainability to economic opportunity.
That’s why we created Spark Tank: to equip local entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need to launch businesses that make a tangible, positive impact in our community.
“I would recommend Spark Tank to anyone interested in running a business with community impact in mind,” says Alyssa.
The Spark Tank Journey: Five Steps to Community Impact
The Spark Tank process unfolds through five key steps, providing participants with the tools, training, and resources they need to succeed.
Step 1: Attend a Social Enterprise Workshop
The journey starts with an optional social enterprise workshop. In this interactive session, participants learn what sets a social enterprise apart from a traditional business. “We teach about defining what a social enterprise is and how it differs from a traditional business,” explains Bryan Feil, Associate Director at CCT. This foundational knowledge helps entrepreneurs clarify their vision and prepare for the next steps.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Next, participants submit an application that outlines their business idea and its intended community impact. This step encourages entrepreneurs to think deeply about the social purpose of their business and how it will benefit the community.
Step 3: Pitch Your Idea at the Spark Tank Pitch Fest
If a participant’s application is selected, they will be invited to present their business ideas at the Spark Tank Pitch Fest in front of a panel of judges. Winning pitches receive financial investments to help propel their business forward!
Step 4: Join the Launch Pad Program
Winners of the Pitch Fest earn a scholarship to CCT’s Launch Pad program. This hands-on training provides entrepreneurs with critical skills in marketing, financial management, and scaling their business to increase community impact. As Bryan shares, “In Launch Pad, you will gain additional information, tools, and training to help market, grow financially, and scale your operation for community impact.”
Step 5: Launch Your Business
The final step is launching the business and stepping into the exciting work of creating positive change. But the journey doesn’t end there—CCT continues to support entrepreneurs as they build their businesses and expand their impact.
Alyssa’s success with her business exemplifies the power of combining purpose with entrepreneurship. “I was encouraged to apply for Spark Tank because of the impact it has on the environment,” she says. “I would recommend Spark Tank to anyone interested in running a business with community impact in mind.”
Ready to Spark Change with Your Business
Are you an entrepreneur with a vision for a business that can make a difference? Join us at Spark Tank, where we’ll guide you through every step of the process and help you turn your idea into a reality. “We’d love to have you as part of the journey,” says Bryan. “We will guide you, be with you, and help you succeed in creating a business that transforms people’s lives.”
