The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides tools, training and resources to help small businesses grow and succeed. Designated as one of Georgia’s top providers of small business assistance, the SBDC has 18 offices ranging from Rome to Valdosta to serve the needs of Georgia’s business community. Since 1977, our network of partners has helped construct a statewide ecosystem to foster the spirit, support, and success of hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators.
The Small Business Development Center, a Public Service and Outreach Extension of The University of Georgia, is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The University of Georgia Small Business Development Center is nationally accredited by the Association of SBDCs.
The UGA SBDC’s mission is to enhance the economic well-being of Georgians by providing a wide range of educational services for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Our vision is to be THE trusted resource for transforming Georgia businesses.
We value honesty and integrity above all else. These values will apply to everyone with whom we interact and to whom we are obliged. We aim to earn the respect of our clients and stakeholders and to be known as “trusted advisors.”
Our greatest assets are the competency, knowledge and professionalism of our workforce. With a focus on lifelong learning, the UGA SBDC provides practical business advice and earns the reputation of a “credible resource.”
Life as a member of the UGA SBDC team is truly a calling, as it is our ambition to help others. We continue to challenge ourselves to bring innovative services to the market that will help our clients reach their goals. We seek personal growth and fulfillment in serving others and aiding in their success.
The education we provide shows positive effects at the business level as well as the state and federal economies. As a public service, we hold ourselves accountable to helping others meet their business goals, being good stewards of the public trust in our efforts, and ensuring that we are meeting the needs of our stakeholders as we strive to make Georgia the best place to live and work.
In FY ‘24, we consulted with 4,836 clients and conducted training programs attended by 4,323 Georgians.
Businesses receiving long-term UGA SBDC assistance experience sales and employment growth at a higher rate and have a 3-year survival rate higher than the average Georgia business.
New Businesses Started
New Jobs Created
Capital Raised Through Loans and Equity Financing
Total Sales
All programs of the UGA SBDC are open to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.
Funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The University of Georgia
Small Business Development Center
382 East Broad Street
Athens, GA 30602-5412
P: (706) 542-2762
