About Southern Spark

Built on Hard Work. Driven by Opportunity.

Southern Spark began as a high school business class assignment and grew into something much more ambitious: a real company founded by two young entrepreneurs determined to create value for their community and build a better future.

Co-founders Zane Kuyper and Evan Balic are both full-time students at Hilton Head Island High School who have taken the initiative to turn a classroom idea into an operating business, balancing their education, athletics, part-time work, and the responsibilities of entrepreneurship.

Coming from humble upbringings, both founders learned early that opportunity is earned through hard work, persistence, and responsibility. Southern Spark reflects those values. Their mission is to build a trusted business that creates meaningful partnerships, serves the local community, and proves that age does not define the ability to lead or create something lasting.

Co-Founder | Growth & Strategy

Zane Kuyper

Zane Kuyper is a 17-year-old senior at Hilton Head Island High School. Born and raised on Hilton Head Island, he is a member of the varsity soccer team and works part-time as a waiter at Frankie Bones. Balancing academics, athletics, employment, and entrepreneurship has given him an early understanding of responsibility, leadership, and the value of a dollar.

Zane helped transform Southern Spark from a classroom project into an official business, taking the initiative alongside Evan to pursue an opportunity beyond the school assignment. His entrepreneurial mindset and local roots provide a strong foundation for the company’s growth.

As co-founder, Zane focuses on business strategy, developing lasting relationships, and identifying new opportunities for Southern Spark. His goal is to build a company that delivers real value to its partners, operates with integrity, and creates a lasting positive impact on the community.

Co-Founder | Business Development & Partnerships

Evan Balic

Evan Balic is a 16-year-old junior at Hilton Head Island High School. Originally from Bosnia, he has called the United States home for the past five years. His experiences in football, weightlifting, and school clubs have helped shape his discipline, teamwork, and commitment to personal growth.

Evan co-founded Southern Spark with a deeply personal motivation: to create meaningful opportunities, support his mother, and help build a stronger future for his family in the United States. As a full-time student and young entrepreneur, he brings determination and a willingness to learn to every aspect of the business.

His primary responsibilities include developing relationships with local businesses, establishing partnerships, and supporting Southern Spark’s expansion. Evan is committed to earning the trust of the community through professionalism, consistency, and a strong work ethic.

Our commitment

Building responsibly, one partnership at a time.

Southern Spark is more than a business venture for its founders. It is an opportunity to apply the lessons of hard work, leadership, and perseverance to something they are building themselves.

While continuing their education as full-time students, Zane and Evan are committed to growing Southern Spark responsibly, serving their partners, and demonstrating what young entrepreneurs can accomplish through dedication and initiative.

Contact the founders