Closed, but not “Closed:” SBDC helps St. Marys business thrive during COVID shutdown
When the COVID-19 pandemic forced Cottle & Gunn to close its doors in April 2020, owner Deborah Cottle leaned into creativity, community, and a strong online presence to keep her business thriving. With guidance from the UGA SBDCC, Cottle quickly launched an online store and leveraged social media to more than double—and then triple—her spring sales, transforming a crisis into a period of record-breaking growth.