SILER CITY, N.C. — Atheia Burke, owner of Qwik Pack & Ship Siler City, has received a $5,000 Chatham SPARK grant funded by the Chatham Chamber of Commerce to support her new business.

Burke was recognized as the winner of the program’s business pitch competition, with the check presented during the business’s ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on September 24, 2026. Chamber representatives and community partners gathered to celebrate the milestone at 118 S. Chatham Ave. in downtown Siler City.

Qwik Pack & Ship provides residents and local businesses with professional packing and shipping, printing, private mailbox rentals, notary services, passport photos and secure document shredding. The locally owned business offers convenient access to everyday services for individuals, entrepreneurs and organizations.

Chatham SPARK is an entrepreneur development program presented by Central Carolina Community College’s Small Business Center in partnership with the Chatham Chamber of Commerce and Fidelity Bank of Pittsboro. Participants develop a business plan and receive guidance from professionals in marketing, finance, law, bookkeeping and other areas essential to starting a business. Eligible graduates may compete for a grant to help establish a business location in Chatham County.

“Atheia saw a need in our community and put in the work to build a business that serves her neighbors and fellow business owners,” said Rebecca Dickenson, President & CEO of the Chatham Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to invest in her success and grateful to Phillip Pappas and the CCCC Small Business Center for helping entrepreneurs turn their ideas into businesses. When our local businesses thrive, our entire community benefits.”

To learn more about Qwik Pack & Ship Siler City, visit www.qpssilercity.com or stop by 118 S. Chatham Ave. For information about Chatham SPARK, visit www.chathamsbc.com/spark.