First Solo Woman Wins UGA’s Idea Accelerator Award

Senior Kaitlin Lutz recently won a $5,000 grant from the University of Georgia Idea Accelerator Program to start her very own company.

“I think it happens to be one of the best moments of my life,” Lutz said.

The UGA Accelerator Program is an eight-week long session offered every spring and fall. Participating members receive the tools needed to fix a problem and create a business.

Professor Jim Flannery said, “It’s not about the actual idea or the solution, but it’s about solving problems.”

Lutz’s award-winning idea was to create Spark Women. Spark Women is a company that equips women with the skills needed to become welders, electricians and equipment operators in the construction industry.

Lutz was excited about creating a company that changes the current construction industry.

“Giving people the opportunity that they didn’t know they had is something that I am incredibly passionate about,” she said.

The senior marketing student said the UGA community has helped her immensely.

“There’s a great community here, the UGA has been really incredible, and I’m just excited to continue the journey,” Lutz said.

Brittany Paris is a senior at the University of Georgia pursuing a bachelor’s degree in journalism, a minor in communication studies and a certificate from the New Media Institute.